searching

[ sur-ching ]

adjective

1. examining carefully or thoroughly:

   a searching inspection.

2. acutely observant or penetrating:

   a searching glance; a searching mind.

3. piercing or sharp:

   a searching wind.

searching

/ ˈsɜːtʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. keenly penetrating

   a searching look

Derived Forms

• ˈsearchingly, adverb
• ˈsearchingness, noun

Other Words From

• searching·ly adverb
• searching·ness noun
• self-searching adjective noun
• un·searching adjective
• un·searching·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of searching¹

First recorded in 1570–80; search + -ing ²

Example Sentences

No one would be questioning their efforts if they were searching for their daughter instead of a dog, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Police Department recently arrested two suspects in connection with a serial “kidnap for robbery” scheme and are searching for additional victims.

From Los Angeles Times

He said Trump appears to be “searching” and growing in his own faith, but that he has been successful in each of the seven pillars and that God appears to be working through him.

From Los Angeles Times

They have used a variety of methods to ferret out information, including searching for DEI programs or even just emails with the keywords "climate change" in them.

From Salon

That makes it all the more important that Republicans in the Senate, to preserve their constitutional powers, subject Trump’s nominees to searching scrutiny and reject any that are unqualified, dangerous or both.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• curious
• seeking