as in introspection
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
after much soul-searching, they both realized that their marriage was essentially over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of soul-searching
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
Democrats have engaged in soul-searching and finger-pointing within the party as members look to apportion blame for the defeat.
—Ivana Saric, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for soul-searching 
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
Democrats have engaged in soul-searching and finger-pointing within the party as members look to apportion blame for the defeat.
—Ivana Saric, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for soul-searching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soul-searching
Noun
-
Column: Stars, smiles and introspection on display as the Chicago Cubs begin full-squad workouts Top prospect Matt Shaw has been among those seizing the chance to learn from the Cubs greats.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2025
-
During moments of downtime or introspection, the film becomes languid in form, taking on a passive visual quality that even the most judicious editing can’t overcome.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The self-examination that question sparks in Rebecca is a fascinatingly rich one that deals with notions like consent, personal boundaries and abuse of power.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Wondering what would happen if those same tools were used for self-examination, the author sifted through personal data to uncover meaningful insights to plan a course of action toward more joyful and fulfilling years.—
Roxsy Lin,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The characters are not wholly irredeemable, and some do arrive through meditation and self-reflection at meaningful answers about their compulsions, even as others remain unwilling to consider such questions about their motivations (and how their actions affect other people).—
Hannah Giorgis,
The Atlantic,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Vision boarding for a new love should also be around self-reflection.—
Essence,
Essence,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Few other nations are as prone to self-scrutiny and self-criticism, or as engaged in impassioned discourse on the nature of liberty and democracy without fear of governmental repression.—
Kenneth Lasson,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Jan. 2025
-
Above all, Raisman is working on breaking free from a vicious cycle of self-scrutiny.—
Katie Camero,
USA TODAY,
29 Feb. 2024
Noun
-
This is followed by solitary Bible study and contemplation.—
Lawrence Wright,
The New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2025
-
At the other end of Eilean Mòr, past a mossy Celtic cross standing like a lighthouse at the island’s tallest point, Sandy showed us the Cave of Saint Cormac, its opening hardly more than four feet high, where eighth-century monks used to retreat for periods of secluded contemplation.—
Leslie Jamison,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near soul-searching
Cite this Entry
“Soul-searching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soul-searching. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share