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 road workers sheltering beneath a tanker had shrugged off the danger.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Both contracts on Wednesday had shrugged off a large build in U.S. crude inventories to end the trading session roughly 4% higher.

From Reuters • Apr. 14, 2022

First-year coach Hubert Davis had shrugged off the “pageantry” from Krzyzewski’s final home game, saying the team needed to tune out all the extra emotion and do one thing: compete.

From Washington Post • Mar. 5, 2022

By the market close in New York, the S&P 500 had shrugged off its early losses and closed with a 1.5% gain.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 24, 2022

I had asked Maggie and Francey about it, but they had shrugged their shoulders, smiling.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff