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.

A behavioral economist might say Doolittle is making sophisticated use of precommitment, the technique of acting in advance to make an unwanted choice impossible.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

How can you use precommitment to keep yourself from giving in to unwanted desires?

From Time • Jul. 24, 2015

Dan Ariely, that tireless student of human irrationality, has collected interesting precommitment anecdotes from regular people, including one who placed her credit card in a container of water in the freezer.

From Washington Post • Jan. 29, 2011

Necessity being the mother of invention, he invented history's first precommitment device.

From Washington Post • Jan. 29, 2011

Today's most advanced screening procedures require careful precommitment medical examination, legal notice, and informal hearings before special courts.

From Time Magazine Archive