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 cut his political teeth there as a community organizer in the 1980s before representing the area in the Illinois state Senate, then winning a US Senate seat in 2004.

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

Many trans Kansans have also become “refugees” as they, with his organization’s help, attempt to move to places like California, Washington, Minnesota or Illinois.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026

In 1949, he graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2026

“Some of them have called it, like, the college hack,” said Sara MacKenzie, director of admissions at the University of Illinois.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Although he adored the title “colonel,” it was only an honorary one, granted by the governor of Illinois.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield