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.

In 1972, with enrollment dwindling and poverty and violence wracking the city, the order split and the school shut down.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

"Today was a little bit nerve wracking, especially waiting for what the final say was going to be," Korda said.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

“It’s nerve wracking to watch him — you couldn’t get a better match for the fans, but I hated it,” Sinjin said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 13, 2025

I was wracking my brain to think of another case in show business where there are identical twins who are acting, not together as a team.

From Salon • Aug. 4, 2024

I was wracking my brain for Oregon when the hard Whipple eye fell on me.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck