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.

It kowtowed to every fashionable agenda to protect its independence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

Compromised himself in the moment, been less than human, not having to hold on to his dignity so much, and just kowtowed to this guy and got himself home.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2024

She kowtowed to no one, including many of her fellow intellectuals, black and white.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 30, 2017

David Brent was the personification of what every person loathes about themselves when they inevitably succumb to the workforce—superficial, petty, and incompetent, just like the status quo he kowtowed to.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2016

“You’ve scraped and kowtowed enough, Sonny,” she said.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam