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perverse

[per-vurs] / pərˈvɜrs /


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.

They came from my training in thinking like an economist—reasoning about probabilities, spotting perverse incentives and judging which details actually affect decisions.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

With “A Void,” Perec demonstrates the inventive power that emerges from what can seem like gratuitous, even perverse, limitations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

The perverse reality is that the court’s use of history in Callais couldn’t be more backward.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

It said the low level of the standard benefit "creates a logical – but perverse - incentive for people to claim the health element too".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

His voice sounded sympathetic, kind, in spite of some perverse attempt to make it sound matter-of-fact.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger




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