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.

Dean faces strong competition from fellow Brit Lola Young, whose cathartically confrontational single Messy was a breakout hit last year.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

This production either broke or mended something in me; I felt — brilliantly, painfully, cathartically — near the point of physical exhaustion.

From New York Times • Oct. 3, 2022

Times theater critic Charles McNulty called “What the Constitution Means to Me” a “singularly charming, politically urgent and cathartically necessary play,” and praised it for being a “delightfully free-form theatrical experience.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2019

He flexed and screamed cathartically when the ball fell through the netting, and his ensuing bonus foul shot provided the Cavaliers with their first lead of the game.

From Washington Post • Mar. 22, 2019

Three-time Employee of the Month winner Reggie Watts returns to discuss his latest, greatest project Runnin’, which expands the cathartically original, prolific, and mischievously wry comedian-musician-dancer’s oeuvre.

From Slate • Feb. 9, 2019