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

But defeat left Koeman looking powerless and the Netherlands in need of new energy and new ideas as thoughts turn to the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign and an increasingly familiar period of soul-searching for Dutch football. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 June 2026

The group’s musical soul-searching is what gets most attention in the ReLoad box set. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2026

Carmy vowed to get the restaurant out of debt before savoring some soul-searching and crafting a new recipe for success. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 24 June 2026

The results have wide-ranging implications for the Democratic Party, which has been in a period of soul-searching since the suffering sweeping loses in the 2024 elections. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 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