soul-searching
noun
soul-search·ing
ˈsōl-ˌsər-chiŋ 
: examination of one's conscience especially with regard to motives and values
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 film is a more quiet, wintry contemplation and tortured soul-searching.
—
Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
The film is a more quiet, wintry contemplation and tortured soul-searching.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025
The embarrassment led to soul-searching, both for him and his team.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
What Happens Next There would seem to be little hope for a more civil political discourse, despite the soul-searching and appeals on both sides, especially in the run-up to next year’s midterms.
—Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soul-searching
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Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
The film is a more quiet, wintry contemplation and tortured soul-searching.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025
The embarrassment led to soul-searching, both for him and his team.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
What Happens Next There would seem to be little hope for a more civil political discourse, despite the soul-searching and appeals on both sides, especially in the run-up to next year’s midterms.
—Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soul-searching
Cite this Entry
“Soul-searching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soul-searching. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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