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.

He had to walk down 40 flights of stairs to evacuate his building and felt ill from the fumes.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

He’d recently divorced after 28 years of marriage, his relationship with Hollywood was running on fumes, and he needed a change of pace.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

While the nation’s capital is filled with pretentious individuals who love to inhale their own fumes, the Oscars this ain’t.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

Years of absorbing shocks have left companies leaner and more adaptable, like an athlete in peak training rather than one running on fumes, said Sheets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

It was easier to think of it now without three eager sets of eyes on me, but slightly complicated by the fact that I was running on fumes, sleepwise.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken