Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Previous estimates have painted a dire picture of the US shortages.
From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026
So far, those reports have painted a relatively upbeat picture of the American economy: Business at the country’s biggest banks is booming, and company executives have indicated that consumers are still spending.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 22, 2026
Reports of record-high credit-card balances have painted too severe a picture, the organization said in a Wednesday blog post, noting that those figures don’t take into account the increase in cardholders or inflation.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 19, 2026
The memorandum describes the current single-family residential zoning as “favorable” for developers; however, the city and mobile housing law experts have painted a different picture.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 5, 2026
I could just as easily have painted I’M ANGRY.
From "Linked" by Gordon Korman
