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.

A contest that had been simmering in the background was suddenly thrust front and center this week by Mr. McConnell’s earlier-than-expected announcement that he would not seek to remain his party’s leader.

From New York Times • Mar. 1, 2024

But the tension in the stands that had been simmering from before kick-off spilled over.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2024

The embarrassing defeat drove home a point that had been simmering all season: USC desperately needed to get bigger, stronger and deeper up front.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 27, 2023

Tensions between the city's Black community, its political establishment and, especially, its police force had been simmering for years.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2021

The war that had been simmering in the shell house became a full-on naval engagement.

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