had been brewing
- past perfect progressive of brew.
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 Wall Street Journal’s analysis shows how the Iran war was accelerating changes that had been brewing for years and are now rewriting the energy-rich Middle East’s geopolitical order.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026
Head said opening for Australia at home had been "brewing for a bit", having done the job several times on overseas tours.
From Barron's ● Nov. 23, 2025
Madigan Traversi’s world changed in the fall of 2017, but the forces responsible for her transformation had been brewing for a long time.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2024
I can’t help but think that such questions had been brewing in fans’ minds for a few weeks before hitting a boiling point Monday.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 23, 2023
Segregation laws were proposed as part of a deliberate and strategic effort to deflect anger and hostility that had been brewing against the white elite away from them and toward African Americans.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
