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.

L.A.’s heat-seeking “Showtime” franchise is obsessed over more than any other, in good times and especially troubled ones, to the point where it smothers other NBA coverage and drives many fans nuts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 16, 2025

Then Olivier isolates Simon from his family, takes credit for his rise in the drag scene and smothers his confidence.

From New York Times • May 23, 2024

Mustard also smothers native plants, transforming the landscape.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 15, 2023

Lipsyte knows that all punk rockers are reverse snobs, who decry conservatory-trained musicians as “smug skill-bullies” and bark sloppy, shambolic rants against … well, even Jack himself isn’t sure, as “irony smothers our politics.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2022

She smothers me in a cloud of chemicals that makes me cough, and the next time I touch my hair it's so stiff it feels like plastic.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman