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.

Retail outposts, brick-and-mortar food joints, and text-based media have not been thriving sectors for a while now, but they’ve been especially shellacked in the weird post-pandemic economy.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

Her best friend, Max, who was unofficially adopted by Suzanna’s parents and is shellacked in cynicism as played by the excellent Alden Ehrenreich, exhorts her to pull herself together and face her “big girl problems.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Three months ago, the Scots were shellacked 3-0 at home by Greece, halting any sort of momentum built from three wins on the spin.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2025

Nobody who didn’t know he got shellacked would have done that.

From Salon • Sep. 18, 2024

The dolls were made of clay and shellacked with candle wax.

From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya