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.

There, he earned a reputation as a piercingly thorough interviewer of victims and witnesses—but also an uncommonly gentle and sympathetic one.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Her works achieve the difficult feat of synthesizing a coma-inducing dullness with piercingly shrill extended diatribes to create reverse masterpieces worthy of the most risible North Korean propaganda.

From Salon • Sep. 7, 2024

That set a template for Roan now — a little tawdry, self-aware, over the top, yet piercingly vulnerable.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2023

She turned to me, sharp jawed and her eyes narrow and piercingly blue.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 4, 2023

The sound rang out piercingly shrill and sweet, and almost before the echo rebounded a joyous, answering bark rang around the surrounding hills.

From "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford