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 head of the department is a micromanager and everyone kowtows to him.

From New York Times • Mar. 18, 2023

Even when her voice is high and sweet, she never kowtows.

From The New Yorker • Feb. 14, 2019

“If he kowtows to anyone, and people stop believing that he’s saying what he means, he’s going to kill the brand.”

From New York Times • Nov. 20, 2014

And then he watches as Katrina kowtows to the Headless Horseman, in fact saving his life but also showing her shifting allegiance.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2014

The kings had all thrown themselves into kowtows, each swearing he would return at the Moon Festival with splendid flowers.

From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin