introspective
adjective
in·tro·spec·tive
ˌin-trə-ˈspek-tiv 
: characterized by examination of one's own thoughts and feelings : thoughtfully reflective : employing, marked by, or tending to introspection
As a student, he was very quiet and introspective.
… encouraging a balance between the fast, upbeat songs and a band's more introspective side.—
David T. Lindsay
David T. LindsayThere's an interesting literature that suggests that when people are sad, they tend to pay attention to themselves. They become withdrawn and introspective and very aware of their body and their mind and not very aware of the external world.—Peter Salovey
Peter Salovey
introspectively
adverb
This whole episode set me thinking introspectively, and led me gradually but imperatively to self-analysis—not of powers, but of motives.
—Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker
introspectiveness
noun
Introversion is too often considered a sign of weakness when it should instead be an indication of strength, and associated with thoughtfulness, introspectiveness and independence.
—Jasmine Tatah
Jasmine Tatah
Examples of introspective in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rap groups such as Stetsasonic, Gang Starr, De La Soul, and A Tribe Called Quest merged introspective lyricism with the boundless sonic textures of legends like Davis, Hancock, and Coltrane.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
Expect some frustrations as headstrong Aries meets the introspective retrograde energies, pushing us to review our actions and thoughts from a fresh perspective.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Along the way, Eli, the more introspective of the two, begins to reconsider their violent lifestyle, leading to mounting strain between him and the impulsive, hard-drinking Charlie.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
How extroverts can become more like ambiverts For extroverts, this is all about developing the skills to thrive in quieter, more introspective moments.
—Stefan Falk, Contributor, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2025
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Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
Expect some frustrations as headstrong Aries meets the introspective retrograde energies, pushing us to review our actions and thoughts from a fresh perspective.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Along the way, Eli, the more introspective of the two, begins to reconsider their violent lifestyle, leading to mounting strain between him and the impulsive, hard-drinking Charlie.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
How extroverts can become more like ambiverts For extroverts, this is all about developing the skills to thrive in quieter, more introspective moments.
—Stefan Falk, Contributor, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for introspective
Cite this Entry
“Introspective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introspective. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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