kowtow

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.

Smaller domestic military budgets also reduce the need for companies to kowtow to politicians by maintaining unprofitable operations in their districts or supporting civilian projects.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

He’s also asking for more streamlining in zoning to combat the rampant NIMBYism that prevents more shelters and interim housing, and that some elected leaders kowtow to on a regular basis.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2022

His refusal to kowtow to the traditions of Congress was writ large.

From Washington Post • Jul. 12, 2022

Tributary states sent semi-regular missions to the Chinese imperial court to acknowledge the superiority of the Chinese emperor and perform rituals of submission, known as the kowtow.

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2021

The little girl threw herself on the ground in a trembling kowtow before the beast.

From "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" by Grace Lin