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.

Russia had been brushing aside US requests for more visits since the ambassador's initial meeting with the reporter in April.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2023

Either way, Charlie had been brushing off her advice since the percentage was a mere, modest half of all life.

From Slate • Aug. 27, 2022

She had been brushing up before arriving here.

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2022

Perhaps Cruz had been brushing up on his Ayn Rand.

From The Guardian • Nov. 22, 2018

Asked if he had been brushing up on his German, Ebright shot back, “I don’t expect to have to have any knowledge of the language.”

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown