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.

Washington, by contrast, recoiled at the very notion of monarchy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Walking into his kitchen, Tim Yoder recoiled at a message on his refrigerator door: “Shop Samsung water filters.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

The manager turned off the vacuum, recoiled hoses and exhaled with relief.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 23, 2025

Whenever a stranger gingerly held out a hand for a sniff, he recoiled.

From Slate • Sep. 4, 2025

When a television crew thrust a long, dark, furry object at me, I recoiled slightly, wondering if it were some newfangled weapon developed while I was in prison.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela