in a word

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 results were, in a word, startling: 1 in 7 of the children in the no-peanuts group developed an allergy by age 5, compared to just 1 in 50 in the peanut group.

From Slate • Dec. 3, 2025

For the reporters covering this president, it has, in a word, been impossible to pull a cogent quote from him.

From Salon • Nov. 14, 2025

He always appreciates when golfers offer to put in a word for him, though he worries such referrals don’t always break through the labyrinth of automation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 26, 2025

"He said, 'mum, in a word, I was in hell.'"

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2025

Rebuffed, she left the room and went upstairs and lay on the bed with Clarissa, and read without taking in a word, feeling her irritation and confusion grow.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan