soul-searching

noun

soul-search·​ing ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ 

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

Synonyms

• 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 his win has sparked a wave of GOP attacks and triggered a fresh round of soul-searching among Democrats. —Nik Popli, Time, 26 June 2025

The scale of the Republican Party's triumph in November—taking the White House, flipping the Senate, and maintaining control of the House—has sparked soul-searching within the Democratic Party over what went wrong and how to rebuild. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025

Democrat Kamala Harris’ November loss to Republican Donald Trump has left the party rudderless and sparked a round of soul-searching about the path forward. —James Oliphant, USA Today, 19 June 2025

Democrats went through similar soul-searching after presidential losses in 1984 and 1988. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025

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