push
verb (used with object)
to press upon or against (a person or thing).
had been pushing
-
past perfect progressiveof push.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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 insisted that didn't constitute a change, saying he had been "pushing on this issue" since his first day in office.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
That kind of mantra -- using drones to save lives -- was precisely what Fedorov had been pushing at the defence ministry.
From Barron's ● Aug. 7, 2026
Other candidates under consideration in addition to O’Neill included Jane Nielsen, the former chief financial officer of Ralph Lauren, whom activist Elliott Investment Management had been pushing for the role.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026
She said she had been pushing past her limits "running on empty, and my body finally said enough. It honestly scared me."
From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026
This wretched place had been pushing Toby away for years, but now that there was someone else to think about, Toby found himself actually listening.
From "A Tangle of Knots" by Lisa Graff
