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.

The signature speckled edges and thumb indexes are preserved, helping to make the volume self-consciously display-friendly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

Both foes imagine a self-consciously cinematic scene, something audiences themselves assumed Tarantino would then deliver with gusto exactly as they described — isn’t that the hipster pastiche he’s after?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

There were people reaching to the sky, wearing colourful face paint and elaborate necklaces, while I held my palms up self-consciously, melting in my M&S suit.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2025

Written by the novelist and playwright Justin Kuritzkes, “Challengers” is fairly straightforward despite its self-consciously tortured narrative timeline.

From New York Times • Apr. 25, 2024

Also, Dewey found the self-consciously casual conversation of his fellow witnesses, as they stood awaiting the start of what one witness termed “the festivities,” disconcerting.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote