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.

And he has quickly learned that some things remain painfully constant: The Los Angeles Angels remain an unmitigated disaster.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

It frightens me how painfully ironic it feels to cover a film about my industry’s demise when it was “The Devil Wears Prada” that pointed me here in the first place.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

But if we seek self-worth from a three-piece living-room suite from Fendi Casa, we will never stop spending because, as you are painfully aware, self-worth is an inside job.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Both women welcomed the expansion of the police inquiry, but expressed frustration it had not happened earlier, saying the investigation was "painfully slow".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Aunt Rose paused as she mulled over her next words, and Ophie’s heart seized painfully, guiltily.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland