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.

Plato would smile benignantly on your progress, from the particulars of something sketched in the real world to the transcendence of pure form.

From Washington Post • Oct. 1, 2015

In Ms. Tushnet’s time, as in mine — I was four years ahead of her at Yale — the Party of the Right had a benignantly cultish quality.

From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2010

He looked up and, out of priestly habit, smiled benignantly at Milton, his white teeth appearing in the great bush of black beard.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

She turned, her back to the blaze, and looked upon her guests benignantly.

From The Siege of the Seven Suitors by Nicholson, Meredith

The Rector, at the head of the table, smiled benignantly.

From A Safety Match by Hay, Ian