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.

He thought about his younger self, and how impossible such a ruling would have seemed just years before — when state marriage bans were sweeping the country.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2025

One of the consequences of this larger civilizational decline was that large numbers of migrants, such as those who attacked the envoy, were sweeping across the eastern Mediterranean bringing chaos and destruction.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

The interview questions, and the affidavits the clerks were asked to sign, were sweeping, and lying to federal investigators was a crime.

From New York Times • Jan. 21, 2023

Capitol Police officers were sweeping the area, they spotted a handgun on the passenger seat of the Sierra, prosecutors said.

From Washington Post • Apr. 1, 2022

Off to port, Lord Steffon, Ragged Jenna, and Swift Sword had broken through and were sweeping upriver.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin