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.

The Dodgers eked across a run in the third inning on a Freddie Freeman groundout with runners on second and third.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

South Korea’s Kospi eked out a 0.1% gain after declining for most of the session, while Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average pared its earlier losses to close 0.3% lower.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

The millennial sex therapist eked out a narrow win in the Democratic primary election in March and will advance to a runoff with the second-place finisher, sheriff’s deputy Johnny Garcia, on Tuesday.

From Slate • May 22, 2026

Meta Platforms was down 8.6% today, while Microsoft was off 3.9%. Amazon.com eked out a 0.8% gain, but Alphabet was the real winner, closing 10% higher.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

A few eked out a precarious existence on the ground and survived.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan