as in soul-searching
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
the author seems to use poetry as a medium for her restless self-searching
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of self-searching
But such athletic excess is part of what makes this album admirable, as is a sense of spiritual and intellectual hunger that’ll be quickly recognizable to anyone familiar with the Ziggy Stardust/Zen Arcade/Tommy school of self-searching rock epic.
—
Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
One of many things the culture lost with Lennon’s death was his rare example as a burgeoning and often self-searching male feminist, serving as a role model for men looking to take account of their behavior.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
One of many things the culture lost with Lennon’s death was his rare example as a burgeoning and often self-searching male feminist, serving as a role model for men looking to take account of their behavior.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-searching
- soul-searching
- introspection
- self-examination
- self-reflection
- self-observation
- self-questioning
- self-scrutiny
- contemplation
Noun
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But there has also been sadness and soul-searching about the place the community has in a neighborhood well known for its Jewish roots, and in Australia’s wider society.—
Katie Silver,
NBC news,
25 Dec. 2025
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Moore has some soul-searching to do in the offseason, which has already begun for all intents and purposes.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
30 Nov. 2025
Noun
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His films offer his actors no mirror effect, no room or need for introspection.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
22 Jan. 2026
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Hitting career highlight after career highlight with limited introspection in between, co-directors Apatow and Bonfiglio craft a fine testimonial to a titan of comedy, albeit one without many surprises.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In an era where analytics and ever-growing coaching staffs allow teams to self-scout every week, the Patriots seem to have taken a more traditional approach and decided on a makeover after a self-examination last month during their bye.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
17 Jan. 2026
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Some time spent in self-examination could yield new insights.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Real-life scenarios, self-reflection, group discussion, and practical tools.—
Staff Report,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Jan. 2026
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As Mercury enters Capricorn, self-reflection is your priority.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
1 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There are three invitations leaders can offer their direct reports: Play with the technology as a tool for self-observation.—
Michael Hudson,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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Anyone who has tracked their daily steps or worn a glucose monitor can testify that self-observation works.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes,
7 Oct. 2024
Noun
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But users can instruct it to be tentative, hesitant, self-questioning or even deliberately clumsy.—
Chris Reed,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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That may be too much heightened self-scrutiny.—
Bryan Price,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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In a foundational study, it was found that companies professing a strong belief in meritocracy were more likely to reward men over equally performing women because the belief in objectivity ironically reduces self-scrutiny in decisions, giving managers subconscious permission to act on stereotypes.—
Heather Price,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Noun
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Hotels and guesthouses favor low-impact practices, including solar and wind power, and motorboats are restricted, leaving you free to sail, kayak, or paddleboard in peaceful contemplation.—
Gemma Price,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
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After much contemplation, a solution presented itself.—
Laurie Brookins,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-searching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-searching. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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