soul-searching

noun

soul-search·​ing ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ How to pronounce soul-searching (audio)
: examination of one's conscience especially with regard to motives and values

Examples of soul-searching in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Beyond that are the unknowns, as well as soul-searching, pain and accusations. Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 21 Feb. 2024 Belly injections, hormonal shifts and a fair bit of soul-searching ensue. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 31 Jan. 2024 Everyone was soul-searching and looking for answers on Wednesday. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 In the clip, the Golden Globe winner joins Ronson and fellow Barbie: The Album writer/producer Andrew Wyatt in the studio, along with a slew of musicians, to lay down a new version of Ken’s soul-searching anthem. Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 20 Dec. 2023 Her cancer diagnosis and subsequent death kicks off what little plot there is in Sabbath’s Theater, sending Mickey on a soul-searching quest through his relationships, past and present. Vulture, 2 Nov. 2023 The official Israeli response to those soul-searching questions is that for now the nation must wage war and those questions must and will be thoroughly studied. Avner Cohen, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2023 And the violence came 50 years and a day after the Yom Kippur War of 1973, when Israel was also surprised by an Arab attack on multiple fronts, leading to huge Israeli losses and soul-searching about the state of the country. Isabel Kershner, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2023 South Alabama came into this season with high expectations after going 10-3 a year ago, but might have to do some soul-searching following Saturday’s loss. Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 2 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'soul-searching.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of soul-searching was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near soul-searching

Cite this Entry

“Soul-searching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soul-searching. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

soul-searching

noun
soul-search·​ing
ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ
: examination of one's conscience and especially one's reasons and values
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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