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.

Spielberg, whose "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" remains one of cinema's defining alien stories, told the crowd he had believed since childhood that humanity was not alone in the universe.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

Scientists had believed that thorium needed to be embedded in a transparent material so laser light could reach and excite the nucleus.

From Science Daily • Jan. 8, 2026

Until recently, markets had believed that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi—seen as being in favor of accommodative monetary policy—would disapprove of higher interest rates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

Ms Chesterton, from Salford, died after a blood clot was missed in two appointments with a PA whom she had believed was a GP.

From BBC • May 14, 2025

The animals now also learned that Snowball had never—as many of them had believed hitherto—received the order of “Animal Hero, First Class.”

From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell