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.

Surely some people will recoil at my likening Meghan’s efforts to those of Queen Martha, doyenne of gracious living and doing everything yourself.

From Salon • Aug. 27, 2025

Sometimes at Open Books, casual browsers will recoil when they realize that they’re in an all-poetry bookshop.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2022

Many people will recoil from such a grim prediction, while for others it will fuel the anxiety that is already rife in society.

From The Guardian • Apr. 26, 2020

“If he tries to change the room on strength of personality, people will recoil from that,” one NFL owner said.

From Washington Post • Jun. 1, 2018

As for the Admiralty, let who will be in, they can neither do me any great good or harm: they may vex me, a little; but, that will recoil upon themselves.

From The Letters of Lord Nelson to Lady Hamilton, Vol II. With A Supplement Of Interesting Letters By Distinguished Characters by Nelson, Horatio