soul-searching

noun

soul-search·​ing ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ How to pronounce soul-searching (audio)
Synonyms of soul-searchingnext
: examination of one's conscience especially with regard to motives and values

Synonyms of soul-searching

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Examples of soul-searching in a Sentence

after much soul-searching, they both realized that their marriage was essentially over
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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.
This month is basically like a bridge between the tumultuousness of August’s eclipses and the soul-searching that October’s Venus Retrograde will bring. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026 There was a lot of soul-searching on my part for all of the right songs. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 So ensues a period of delirious soul-searching, given tremendous gravitas by Bakhtadze. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026 Demanding more immediate attention is the discovery of elevated triglycerides, prompting immediate dietary soul-searching. — Ken Gawrych, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for soul-searching

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of soul-searching was in 1924

Rhymes for soul-searching

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Browse Nearby Words

soul scot
soul-searching
soul-sick
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Cite this Entry

“Soul-searching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soul-searching. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

soul-searching

noun
soul-search·​ing
ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ
: examination of one's conscience and especially one's reasons and values
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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