Meaning & use

introspective

adjective·Advanced

Given to examining one's own thoughts, feelings, and motives closely.

See it in a sentence

After the accident, he became more introspective and started keeping a daily journal.

The novel's introspective narrator spends most of the story reflecting on his past choices.

A note on using this word

Introspective describes a habit of examining one's own inner life, distinct from simply being quiet or shy.

Words with a similar meaning

reflectiveself-examiningcontemplative

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

extrovertedoutward-looking

Make it your own

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