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.

The star read woodenly from a script he obviously did not want to read.

From Washington Post • Jul. 21, 2020

The best he can do on such solemn occasions is to woodenly read someone else’s words off a teleprompter as he flashes the thumbs-up sign.

From The Guardian • Nov. 24, 2018

Several journalists, sitting in chairs, relate details of the case so woodenly that it sometimes sounds as if they were reading cue cards.

From New York Times • Jun. 2, 2017

Amateur actors deliver it woodenly, reading from cue cards.

From The New Yorker • Feb. 5, 2017

She smiles woodenly at the camera, and I smile sadly back at her.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler