soul-searching

noun

soul-search·​ing ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ How to pronounce soul-searching (audio)
: 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
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.
What Happens Next There would seem to be little hope for a more civil political discourse, despite the soul-searching and appeals on both sides, especially in the run-up to next year’s midterms. Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025 As Polly excavates the darkest parts of herself, the film can’t string together a build to match the depths of her soul-searching. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025 Thus begins a long night of soul-searching and much, much worse for Polly, who turns to various people for help, including her mother (Mary McCormack), her older sister (Rachel Blanchard) and her neighbor (Klea Scott). Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025 There will be plenty of soul-searching in Green Bay over the bye week for a team that suddenly looks like a fringe playoff team rather than a front-runner to win the Lombardi Trophy. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Soul-searching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soul-searching. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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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