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.

Behaving like an duchess while living in a suburb, Bucket's monstrous social-climbing schemes were ultimately doomed to failure - while she battled to maintain her dignity.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025

Then he placed his trust in another man to back his play — Littlefinger, a social-climbing Small Council member, brothel owner, and grudge-holder extraordinaire.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2021

A social-climbing stepmother and a doltish Babbitt of a father use the newly minted petrodollars to grease their entry into Dallas nouveau riche society.

From New York Times • Aug. 4, 2020

A social-climbing couple throw a lavish party for a stranger they persuaded to pose as their daughter.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2020

Elections are approaching and Constance’s mentor and boss, Sheriff Heath, has come to the end of his three-year term and, at the behest of his social-climbing wife, is running for a seat in Congress.

From Washington Post • Sep. 14, 2018