private citizen

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.

Mr. Clinton decided to let Carter proceed as a private citizen, thinking it might give Kim a chance to back down.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Jewish Insider published what it called an exposé revealing that the mayor’s wife Rama Duwaji, a private citizen who holds no public office, had liked social media posts sympathetic to Palestinian rights.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2026

It can be debilitating, and it was difficult for me, but I adjusted, because I could hide behind my work, but as a private citizen, it was more difficult for her.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

Sadie Weldon, a private citizen, sought to depose the Lilith Fund’s deputy director using a special Texas mechanism called a 202 petition that allows people to investigate a potential claim before filing suit.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2026

The Florentines made Paulo Vitelli their captain, a very able man and one who rose from being a private citizen to achieve great prestige.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli