introspective

adjective

in·​tro·​spec·​tive ˌin-trə-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce introspective (audio)
: 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
There'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 They become withdrawn and introspective and very aware of their body and their mind and not very aware of the external world.Peter Salovey
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
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

Examples of introspective in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But his fingerprints are all over the album — both in its warm vocals and its introspective existential themes. Richard Trapunski, Billboard, 24 July 2025 This homecoming, driven by Stefan’s urge to complete a film about his mother as well as an attempt to make amends by rescuing a stray dog, will ignite an introspective journey. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 July 2025 Across 14 studio albums, Beck has redefined the concept of genre-shifting, taking on everything from Prince-level funk to electronica to introspective folk-rock. Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 18 July 2025 That same introspective fire returned this week, and even got backed by JJ Spaun, who stunned the field with a 64-foot birdie putt to win the 2025 U.S. Open. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for introspective

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of introspective was in 1819

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Cite this Entry

“Introspective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introspective. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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