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.

This time, Justice Samuel Alito wrote the majority opinion—a move that must have stung, since Oldham clerked for Alito 16 years earlier.

From Slate • Jul. 10, 2025

Defeat for the first time as a pro and the first time in any capacity for seven years will have stung Taylor.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2023

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo following the imposition of foreign investment controls by her agency that have stung numerous Chinese companies.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 17, 2023

As much as it might have stung, Thompson-Robinson agreed that the critique accurately depicted the unfulfilled promise of his first four years as a Bruin.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2022

A sea nettle hitting me in the face couldn’t have stung worse.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson