soul-searching

noun

soul-search·​ing ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ 

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

Synonyms

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

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

The soul-searching that Edwards did in the wake of that Boston loss has led to a scoring explosion from him of late. —Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

His victory reshaped the Republican Party and provoked soul-searching among Democrats, who shed support among key groups that were once the backbone of their coalition. —Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025

The disbelief and soul-searching among Latino activists and finger-pointing by Democrats will continue throughout 2025, predicated on the idea that Latinos who went with Trump voted against their self-interest. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024

General manager John Lynch acknowledged the issue and revealed the organization has some soul-searching to do this offseason. —David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

soul-searching

noun

soul-search·​ing

ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ

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