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.

Instead of mandating, directing, or using the word “shall,” the code grovels before its own authors, flattering them with meek suggestions that justices “should,” “should not” and might “endeavor to” act in certain ways.

From Salon • Nov. 24, 2023

It’s easy for an ego like his to grow wings and fly when, even as a washed-up quarterback, an NFL coach grovels for your services.

From Washington Post • Oct. 9, 2022

Kichijiro, who enters grunting and twitching, as if in homage to Toshiro Mifune, and grovels at the priest’s feet, also seems on hand as much for comic relief as for guidance.

From New York Times • Dec. 22, 2016

“Everyone grovels to Graydon and other writers there and covets invitations to their parties,” said Leslee Dart, a publicist whose clients include Tom Hanks, Woody Allen and Meryl Streep.

From New York Times • Sep. 9, 2013

On page 60 why did he not say, “She grovels like a beast, she hisses like a serpent, she stings like a scorpion”?

From English: Composition and Literature by Webster, W. F. (William Franklin)