as in introspection
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
after much soul-searching, they both realized that their marriage was essentially over
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of soul-searching
Still, to see the pluralism pivot entirely as an exercise in covering your ass would miss the depth of the soul-searching that college presidents are doing.
—
Emma Green, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
There’s a lot of soul-searching going on with Democrats right now.
—Kellen Browning, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
The party has spent the early months of the year soul-searching the causes of a bitter election defeat and fighting internally over how best to counter President Trump and his fierce effort to dismantle the traditional workings of Washington.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 3 Apr. 2025
Next, both partners need to do some soul-searching together, ideally with the help of a couples therapist who can mediate and provide direction.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soul-searching
Emma Green, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
There’s a lot of soul-searching going on with Democrats right now.
—Kellen Browning, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
The party has spent the early months of the year soul-searching the causes of a bitter election defeat and fighting internally over how best to counter President Trump and his fierce effort to dismantle the traditional workings of Washington.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 3 Apr. 2025
Next, both partners need to do some soul-searching together, ideally with the help of a couples therapist who can mediate and provide direction.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soul-searching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soul-searching
Noun
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Babygirl has some crucial hallmarks of that classic Hollywood mode: a melodramatic plot that places a morally ambiguous woman’s concerns at its center — though Babygirl’s melodrama is subdued in favor of stately psychological introspection.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
25 Apr. 2025
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Spring Charm provokes introspection and ebullience all at once, much like a vibrant spring morning when the cherry trees are beginning to blossom, yet the air is still brisk with the last of winter’s chill.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In an album that is both unconventional and authentic – almost six years in the making – the artiste leans into soul self-examination with her friend and co-producer, Abdullah Siddiqui.—
Sonya Rehman,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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That kind of deep self-examination requires patience, courage, and more often than not, discomfort.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
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David would spend nearly three decades writing to his brother, years marked by nostalgia, regret and intense self-reflection.—
Serge F. Kovaleski,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
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To utilize our willpower effectively, self-reflection is essential.—
Veronica Angela,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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Few other nations are as prone to self-scrutiny and self-criticism, or as engaged in impassioned discourse on the nature of liberty and democracy without fear of governmental repression.—
Kenneth Lasson,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Jan. 2025
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Above all, Raisman is working on breaking free from a vicious cycle of self-scrutiny.—
Katie Camero,
USA TODAY,
29 Feb. 2024
Noun
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Following a meeting with the project coordinator, his initial apprehension turned to contemplation, and then questions.—
Naveen Rao,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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Patrick gets worldwide parades and merchandising - a day estimated to add north of $7 billion to the US economy this coming Monday; Brigid gets quiet contemplation and handwoven rush crosses.—
Gemma Allen,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Soul-searching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soul-searching. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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