soul-searching
noun
soul-search·ing
ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ 
: examination of one's conscience especially with regard to motives and values
Synonyms
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
In short, there’s been little soul-searching about how such blatantly discriminatory statements were able to sail through undisputed.
—
Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2024
Well, the story focuses on a young woman’s soul-searching to find the strength needed to create a better future, which, for a country built by immigrants looking for better lives, makes the track a uniquely American narrative.
—Holly Alvarado, Orange County Register, 27 June 2024
Her artistry stems from ecstatic singing, dreamscapes, spiritual encounters, and soul-searching expeditions to add more depth to the alternative-style band's musical signature.
—Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 31 May 2024
Something tells me Nicholas might have some more soul-searching to do this season.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2024
From there, Bond is forced to do some soul-searching as a creepy cyberterrorist (played by a screne-stealingly lecherous Javier Bardem) is out to take down the MI6 agent and his spymaster, M (Judi Dench).
—Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 29 May 2024
He was attracted to the project to understand the angst that led the teenagers to kill themselves and the soul-searching that this tragedy provoked in their parents and grandparents.
—Martin Dale, Variety, 21 May 2024
And a third straight loss in the first round of the playoffs will undoubtedly lead to some offseason soul-searching for the Kings.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2024
The inherent unfairness of the death penalty, whether because of race or its finality, has been debated for years, often with soul-searching arguments that go beyond politics.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024
Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2024
Well, the story focuses on a young woman’s soul-searching to find the strength needed to create a better future, which, for a country built by immigrants looking for better lives, makes the track a uniquely American narrative.
—Holly Alvarado, Orange County Register, 27 June 2024
Her artistry stems from ecstatic singing, dreamscapes, spiritual encounters, and soul-searching expeditions to add more depth to the alternative-style band's musical signature.
—Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 31 May 2024
Something tells me Nicholas might have some more soul-searching to do this season.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2024
From there, Bond is forced to do some soul-searching as a creepy cyberterrorist (played by a screne-stealingly lecherous Javier Bardem) is out to take down the MI6 agent and his spymaster, M (Judi Dench).
—Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 29 May 2024
He was attracted to the project to understand the angst that led the teenagers to kill themselves and the soul-searching that this tragedy provoked in their parents and grandparents.
—Martin Dale, Variety, 21 May 2024
And a third straight loss in the first round of the playoffs will undoubtedly lead to some offseason soul-searching for the Kings.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2024
The inherent unfairness of the death penalty, whether because of race or its finality, has been debated for years, often with soul-searching arguments that go beyond politics.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024
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.
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 7 Jul. 2024.
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