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

There will be soul-searching in the offseason for the Yankees. —Maury Brown, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

In Book of Travelers, which takes place earlier chronologically but is suggested as the second panel of the diptych, Kahane sets out on a soul-searching journey by train in the weeks after the 2016 election. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024

While there’s a lot of soul-searching to be done in October, finding ways to stay grounded and connected will be your biggest challenge, Scorpio. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Oct. 2024

In Charismatic Istanbul, the Past Still Shapes the Present Beguilingly complex Istanbul has done a lot of soul-searching in recent years. —Kurt Johnson, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 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