soul-searching

noun

soul-search·​ing ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ 

: examination of one's conscience especially with regard to motives and values

Synonyms of soul-searching

• introspection
• self-examination
• self-reflection
• self-searching
• self-questioning
• self-scrutiny
• contemplation

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 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

Britain’s prime minister urged national soul-searching after Jason Arday, Cambridge’s youngest Black professor, died suddenly days after resigning amid plagiarism allegations and media scrutiny of his life story. — Sylvia Hui, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for soul-searching

• researching
• lurching
• perching
• searching

Kids Definition

soul-searching

noun

soul-search·​ing

ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ

: examination of one's conscience and especially one's reasons and values