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 Dodgers had been playing with fire all night, but they couldn’t regain momentum after Scott’s struggles, losing to the Phillies 4-3 to set up a Sunday series rubber match.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

Despite these changes, they could not reliably tell whether infrasound had been playing.

From Science Daily • May 3, 2026

Lee Westwood had been playing with Tiger and he missed a 15-footer that would have got him in the play-off too.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

What the Seahawks did in shutting down the Niners in that game was especially impressive considering how well San Francisco’s offense had been playing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

He had been playing up until now, when he had finally finished his song.

From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore