soul-searching

noun

soul-search·​ing ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ 

: examination of one's conscience especially with regard to motives and values

Synonyms

• introspection
• self-contemplation
• self-examination
• self-observation
• self-questioning
• self-reflection
• self-scrutiny
• self-searching

Examples of soul-searching in a Sentence

after much soul-searching, they both realized that their marriage was essentially over

Recent Examples on the Web

The disbelief and soul-searching among Latino activists and finger-pointing by Democrats will continue throughout 2025, predicated on the idea that Latinos who went with Trump voted against their self-interest. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024

General manager John Lynch acknowledged the issue and revealed the organization has some soul-searching to do this offseason. —David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024

That Harris could actually lose to Trump should cause some serious soul-searching for Democrats. —Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Dec. 2024

Not every electoral loss must be followed by a period of soul-searching or rebuilding. —Todd Eberly, Baltimore Sun, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

soul-searching

noun

soul-search·​ing

ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ

: examination of one's conscience and especially one's reasons and values