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

In punishingly hot and humid conditions, Stirling retired hurt with cramps on day one after reaching 74, but came back to the crease the following morning after Tucker fell.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2023

Inflation, which peaked at around 90 percent during the worst of the crisis, remains a punishingly high 59 percent.

From New York Times • Jan. 31, 2023