sue
verb (used with object)
to institute a process in law against; bring a civil action against.
were suing
-
past progressiveof sue.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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 representing the family of Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old who remains in hospital following the shooting, said in a statement that they were suing OpenAI over allegations of negligence.
From Barron's ● Mar. 10, 2026
On Sept. 24, lawyers and families of some of the passengers announced that the families were suing American Airlines, its subsidiary PSA Airlines and the federal government, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 14, 2026
In September, ABC 7 reported that two families were suing a contractor who promised to handle their entire rebuilds, but disappeared after receiving retainer payouts of $33,678 from each family.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 11, 2025
Initially, publishing companies were suing the IA just over the National Emergency Library.
From Slate ● Sep. 12, 2022
The girl looked at him imploringly, with elbows bent but hands stretched towards him, as if she were suing for forgiveness.
From The Peace of Roaring River by W. H. D. (William Henry Dethlef) Koerner
