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

After several months of searching, we found him.

From BBC

Families of Syrian detainees have been searching for their missing loved ones since thousands of prisoners were released after the fall of the Assad regime on Sunday.

From BBC

Along with that ongoing federal review process, President-elect Donald Trump’s administration is set to inherit a role in searching for a plan that all seven states can accept.

From Los Angeles Times

"We are scanning every face in the footage, searching for traces of our loved ones. This is the only thing that we can do."

From BBC

One suspect was taken into custody, but Los Angeles Police are still searching for two other men believed to have been involved, said officer Charles Miller.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• curious
• seeking