soul-searching
noun
soul-search·ing
ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ 
: examination of one's conscience especially with regard to motives and values
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
Clooney, 64, plays the titular character, a famous movie star on a soul-searching journey throughout Europe with his manager (played by Sandler, 58).
—
Jack Smart, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Kirby shares that soul-searching led her here.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 28 Aug. 2025
Throughout the film, Jay revisits memories of significant moments from the past that trigger his soul-searching.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Others have questioned whether his soul-searching is a sign of potentially terminal health concerns.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soul-searching
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.
Jack Smart, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Kirby shares that soul-searching led her here.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 28 Aug. 2025
Throughout the film, Jay revisits memories of significant moments from the past that trigger his soul-searching.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Others have questioned whether his soul-searching is a sign of potentially terminal health concerns.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soul-searching
Cite this Entry
“Soul-searching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soul-searching. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share