adjective
Common
searching
SURT-shihng
Searching (adjective) means Thorough and probing, especially of a look, question, or examination. Example: “She gave him a searching look before answering.”
adjective
1
Thorough and probing, especially of a look, question, or examination.
"She gave him a searching look before answering."
"The interviewer asked a searching question about how the team had handled the failure."
"The doctor carried out a searching examination before suggesting any treatment."
How to use searching
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes an intense, probing look, question, or investigation that digs beneath the surface.
Common pairings
a searching look
searching questions
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Word forms
- Plural
- searchings
- Comparative
- more searching
- Superlative
- most searching
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She gave him a _____ look before answering.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for searching
See all rhymes for searching →Frequently asked questions
What does “searching” mean?
The word “searching” means thorough and probing, especially of a look, question, or examination. In plain terms, describes an intense, probing look, question, or investigation that digs beneath the surface.
How do you pronounce “searching”?
“Searching” is pronounced SURT-shihng (/ˈsɜɹt͡ʃɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “searching” in a sentence?
Here is “searching” used in a sentence: “She gave him a searching look before answering.”
What part of speech is “searching”?
“Searching” is an adjective.
Is “searching” a common word?
“Searching” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a 'searching' question and a 'leading' question?
A 'searching' question is thorough and probing, designed to get at the truth or test someone deeply. A 'leading' question is worded to prompt or suggest a particular answer, so the two describe almost opposite intentions.
What is the difference between 'searching' and 'probing'?
Both describe examinations or questions that dig deep and are hard to evade. 'Searching' often suggests careful scrutiny that seeks the whole truth, while 'probing' emphasises persistently pressing into a specific point or area.
What nouns commonly follow 'searching' as an adjective?
As an adjective, 'searching' most often describes a look, a question, an examination, an inquiry, or a gaze. Each of these collocations conveys that the attention involved is thorough and probing rather than casual.
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