stick out

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.

Those that have been left behind stick out like sore hitchhiker’s thumbs, which helps explain recent activist interest.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

Unlike traditional handles that stick out on the door surface and can always be grasped by hand, the retractable handle sinks into the door and isn’t graspable in its default position.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

Most top directors can’t act to save their lives, which is why they tend to appear as themselves and stick out like splinters.

From Salon • Dec. 21, 2025

“I stick out like a sore thumb because I got my beautiful cowboy boots here in the Garden State,” he said, before turning serious.

From Slate • Dec. 8, 2025

I had meant to cover my legs if anybody came in, but now I saw it was too late, so I let them stick out, just as they were, disgusting and ugly.

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath