soul-searching

[ sohl-sur-ching ]

/ ˈsoʊlˌsɜr tʃɪŋ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR soul-searching ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act or process of close and penetrating analysis of oneself, to determine one's true motives and sentiments.

Nearby words

soul music, soul of, the, soul sister, soul-destroying, soul-kiss, soul-searching, soulful, soulless, soult, sound, sound and the fury, the

Origin of soul-searching

First recorded in 1605–15

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for soul-searching

And then, finally, I think it's going to be important for all of us to do some soul-searching.
Full Remarks by President Obama on Trayvon Martin|The Daily Beast|July 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The disaster has inspired a backlash and a round of soul-searching.
American Apparel’s Dov Charney on the Bangladesh Tragedy|Daniel Gross|May 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And so now the hand-wringing, second-guessing, and soul-searching begins.
GOP Rank and File May Block Leaders’ Plans to Win Latinos With Reform|Laura Colarusso|November 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The party, after months of shock and soul-searching, finally appears to have moved on, as primary ballots loom in October.
DSK's French Accuser Speaks|Tracy McNicoll|September 30, 2011|DAILY BEAST

These conversations, and lots of soul-searching, helped me come to some degree of peace with my childhood.
My Brother, Autism, and Me|Julia Rothwax|March 6, 2010|DAILY BEAST
The proof to which God put Abraham is the most soul-searching proof that ever comes into human lives.
Living for the Best|James G. K. McClure
I've done some soul-searching myself, and it hasn't been a pleasant task.
The Lani People|J. F. Bone
The soul-searching eye of Cromwell peered through his visor, and turned alternately on Neville and Beaumont.
The Loyalists, Vol. 1-3|Jane West
History teaches us that wealth, whenever it has come to them by chance, has put an end to their soul-searching.
A Book of Prefaces|H. L. Mencken
He paused, and their eyes were locked in a soul-searching look.
A Breath of Prairie and other stories|Will Lillibridge

British Dictionary definitions for soul-searching

soul-searching

noun

deep or critical examination of one's motives, actions, beliefs, etc

adjective

displaying the characteristics of deep or painful self-analysis

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

soul-searching

noun

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of soul-searching

Examples from the Web for soul-searching

British Dictionary definitions for soul-searching

soul-searching

noun

adjective