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.

Lawyers for Abrego Garcia then sought to dismiss them, arguing he was being vindictively prosecuted by the justice department.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw ruled that prosecutors’ explanations for why they had brought the charges were unsatisfying and that they had failed to prove they didn’t act vindictively in bringing the case.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

When Amy says the balloon arch sucks, Holt sadly and vindictively starts popping the balloons one by one with a pen.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2023

At the time, his defense lawyer claimed the U.S. targeted Bout vindictively because it was embarrassed that his companies helped deliver goods to American military contractors involved in the war in Iraq.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 13, 2022

Let him stay that way, the colonel decided vindictively, just to show him who was boss and to safeguard himself against any loss of dignity that might devolve from his acknowledging the omission.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller