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.

Gold eluded her at every turn, by excruciatingly small margins.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

The contemplative cinema of Béla Tarr was as excruciatingly beautiful as it was brazenly original, often conjuring comparison to the work of a master painter.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

It can be excruciatingly difficult to leave a community that acknowledges, appreciates and validates its members.

From Salon • May 11, 2025

She is excruciatingly introspective but in perfect control of every sentence and emotion — withholding, sparing or repeating words to produce observations that gleam with intelligence and insight but keep their author shadowed.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2025

Then any light, even through closed eyelids, became excruciatingly bright.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr