as in introspection
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
after much soul-searching, they both realized that their marriage was essentially over
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Recent Examples of soul-searching
In a race that has been marked more by the similarity of the front-runners — Ben from Wisconsin and Ken from Minnesota — than any serious clash over vision or ideology, this felt more like a gentle pep rally than soul-searching at the crossroads.
—
Jess Bidgood, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2025
The soul-searching that Edwards did in the wake of that Boston loss has led to a scoring explosion from him of late.
—Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
His victory reshaped the Republican Party and provoked soul-searching among Democrats, who shed support among key groups that were once the backbone of their coalition.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
The disbelief and soul-searching among Latino activists and finger-pointing by Democrats will continue throughout 2025, predicated on the idea that Latinos who went with Trump voted against their self-interest.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for soul-searching
Jess Bidgood, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2025
The soul-searching that Edwards did in the wake of that Boston loss has led to a scoring explosion from him of late.
—Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
His victory reshaped the Republican Party and provoked soul-searching among Democrats, who shed support among key groups that were once the backbone of their coalition.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
The disbelief and soul-searching among Latino activists and finger-pointing by Democrats will continue throughout 2025, predicated on the idea that Latinos who went with Trump voted against their self-interest.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for soul-searching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soul-searching
Noun
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The month encourages Muslims to engage in a period of introspection and connectivity, with communal meals and prayers.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
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For centuries, people have used cannabis for relaxation, introspection, and even spiritual practices.—
Matt Rozo,
The Mercury News,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Under the guidance of their trainers, athletes undergo self-examination and trial-and-error strategies for improvement.—
Janine Schindler,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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This complicated story provides a unique tradition that anchors the institution of the Catholic Church, but can also block the church from critical self-examination and renewal.—
Daniel Speed Thompson,
The Conversation,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The month of Ramadan serves as a time for self-reflection and spiritual growth.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
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Commit to Self-Reflection Becoming a better mentor requires a commitment to self-reflection.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Few other nations are as prone to self-scrutiny and self-criticism, or as engaged in impassioned discourse on the nature of liberty and democracy without fear of governmental repression.—
Kenneth Lasson,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Jan. 2025
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Above all, Raisman is working on breaking free from a vicious cycle of self-scrutiny.—
Katie Camero,
USA TODAY,
29 Feb. 2024
Noun
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And, where many other Stoic writers suggest seeking the divine through contemplation of the stars or natural landscapes, Pliny does the same with bugs and grubs.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
5 Mar. 2025
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In the weeks before the election, former President Barack Obama gave moral sermons and philosophical treatises on behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign, his speeches suggesting that politics still existed in a social atmosphere of contemplation and debate.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
The New Yorker,
5 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Soul-searching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soul-searching. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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