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.

Anyone beyond the land of candlepin bowling and cringing at red clam chowder thought they had a better shot at finishing at the bottom of the standings than reaching the Super Bowl.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

These lies are so dumb and easy to disprove that the onetime criminal defense attorney in me is cringing.

From Slate • Aug. 16, 2024

Even some liberal economists are cringing a bit.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2023

“If I’m not embarrassed by what I did yesterday, if I’m not cringing about what I did yesterday, I did not grow,” Ms. Bichri said.

From New York Times • Jun. 3, 2023

I caught myself cringing, jumping at the sound of his voice.

From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler