soul-searching

[ sohl-sur-ching ]

noun

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

soul-searching

noun

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

adjective

1. displaying the characteristics of deep or painful self-analysis

Word History and Origins

Origin of soul-searching¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

For Mr Topless, the experience has led to "soul-searching moments".

From BBC

Democrats are already engaged in considerable soul-searching, as they come to grips with an election defeat that has delivered the White House, the Senate and, perhaps, the House of Representatives to Republican control.

From BBC

Democrats are — to mix political clichés — soul-searching in the political wilderness yet again after Trump’s dominant win over Kamala Harris.

From Los Angeles Times

But soul-searching over where she went wrong and what else she could have done will likely take longer as Democrats begin finger-pointing and raising questions about the future of the party.

From BBC

When the blast of the shofar ushered in the new year, I thought about the soul-searching happening inside everyone around me.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contemplation
• reflection
• rumination
• self-examination