brush with

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.

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s recent brush with mortality reminds us how clearly his administration showed that people, not impersonal forces, make history—especially men of vision and courage like him.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Historic freezes in 1894 and 1895 nearly eradicated the industry, its first and last real brush with old-world calamity.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

But that’s not what SoCal locals found in their first real brush with ticket access over the past week.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

His first brush with the law dated back to 1974 when he released his famous album "Zombie", generally considered by the military authorities in power as a diatribe levelled at them.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

At night before bedtime, we all took turns brushing our teeth, but when money was tight and we couldn’t afford toothpaste, my mom told us to brush with coal.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana