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potboiler

[pot-boi-ler] / ˈpɒtˌbɔɪ lər /










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.

A lurid tale of misadventure, moral bankruptcy and mean girls, “His & Hers” has other qualities, too, notably Tessa Thompson, whose recent turn in “Hedda” haunts her role in this potboiler.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

“Fox” has the bones of a potboiler but is supported by the sinew of the author’s elegant structure and syntax.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2025

In that potboiler, a film he later disavowed as too tame, he was publicized as the first Black matinee idol for mainstream audiences.

From Washington Post • Apr. 25, 2023

"I definitely didn't want to make it a potboiler, I didn't want to make it soapy or constantly have huge dramatic tension happening," he said.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2022

And he can mysteriously put himself even into a potboiler.

From The Author's Craft by Bennett, Arnold




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