pilate

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.

I wasn’t offered the part of Mary Magdalene, which I wanted, but of Pontius Pilate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

"He cannot do a Pontius Pilate and maintain he cannot interfere because policing is devolved."

From BBC • Oct. 19, 2025

That was also the case 2,000 years ago when Pontius Pilate ordered the crucifixion of Jesus, who posed a serious threat to the religious and political primacy of the Pharisees, the Herodians and the Romans.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 29, 2025

By stark contrast, his persecutors, led by King Herod and Pontius Pilate, wear severe white, floor-length robes and black coats.

From New York Times • Jan. 22, 2024

She had not recognized it in Pilate, whose equilibrium overshadowed all her eccentricities and who was, in any case, the only person she knew of strong enough to counter Macon.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison