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.

It felt like the arrival of justice long delayed — like someone in the criminal justice system finally gathering courage and sidestepping all the thumb-sucking about the political implications of bringing charges.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 7, 2023

“Hardly a thumb-sucking political analysis goes by without allusion to one of the 37 canonical plays, however limited or far-fetched the comparison may be.”

From The Guardian • Feb. 6, 2021

Little John was a black bear, the Sheriff of Nottingham was a wolf, Friar Tuck was a badger, and perhaps most memorably, Prince John was a thumb-sucking, jewel-encrusted crown-wearing lion.

From The Verge • Apr. 10, 2020

Summer is supposed to be the season of youth, when the over-25 quadrant surrenders theaters to wisecracking cartoons, thumb-sucking comedies and action franchises based on toys, comic books, amusement park rides.

From New York Times • May 1, 2015

Following closely behind the woman, and picking up pieces of coal as they fell from the scuttle and placing them in a small plastic bag, was a half-naked, potbellied and thumb-sucking boy of about four.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane