searching
Americanadjective
-
examining carefully or thoroughly.
a searching inspection.
-
acutely observant or penetrating.
a searching glance; a searching mind.
-
piercing or sharp.
a searching wind.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- searchingly adverb
- searchingness noun
- self-searching adjective
- unsearching adjective
- unsearchingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of searching
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The crew had been searching for Mandy for more than 40 minutes, while she clung to the board.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
If genetics plays a larger role than assumed, it strengthens the case for searching for specific genes that influence lifespan.
From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026
Thousands of film workers have been searching for work — but many of the big opportunities have moved abroad.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
Lululemon is searching for a new CEO after Calvin McDonald stepped down in January.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
Not for the first time in the past five days, I find myself searching for a plausible story.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
