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.

The public’s on-again, off-again interest kept Smart’s disappearance in the news sporadically, but a podcast called “Your Own Backyard,” begun in 2019 by Chris Lambert, shined a new spotlight on the cold case.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

The game in College Station attracted the largest crowd in the Bananas’ six-year history, and Clarke shined, striking out five in four innings.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Spirit never won any customer-service contests or shined in the WSJ’s annual airline rankings.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

And it also shined a spotlight on Gabbard’s effectiveness in her position, since she basically serves the function of a potted plant.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

“As Agatha Swanburne once said, ‘If both of your shoes are shined, your best foot will always be forward,’” she reminded herself.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood