Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He launched a profitable security firm and ran abortively for the Republican nomination for president in 2008.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2021

M ., whereupon detectives, who had been strenuously but abortively interrogating the suspect, withdrew to another room, leaving the minister to consult privately with his parishioner.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

And so at least there was an end of that matter, one might hope,—though in effect it still abortively started up now and then, on Papa's part, in his frantic humors, for years to come.

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 06 by Carlyle, Thomas

It ended abortively, and permitted me to continue with perfect impunity to give in letters to the Times evidence I was debarred from giving in Court.

From The Reminiscences of an Irish Land Agent by Gordon, Home, Sir, Bart.

Or, if abortively, poor man must die, Nor reach, what reach he might, why die in dread?

From Young's Night Thoughts With Life, Critical Dissertation and Explanatory Notes by Young, Edward