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.

While a high-school venture pool is barely imaginable at almost any other high school in the U.S., the punishingly risky form of finance might make perfect sense at San Jose-based Harker.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

It was just before 2 p.m., punishingly hot and humid.

From Slate • Jun. 19, 2025

“Try a Little Tenderness,” the Otis Redding classic, figures prominently in a play in which acceptable expressions of love between men is punishingly limited, leaving an ache that can grow dangerous when unconsoled.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 23, 2024

Trying to create a successful start-up at the best of times is a huge challenge but doing so at a time of war is punishingly difficult.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2023

Most New Zealand supermarkets, all of which run as a punishingly expensive duopoly, have enormous, groaning seafood counters, under signs that read “kai moana” — the food of the ocean.

From New York Times • Dec. 9, 2022