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.

Valerie’s career is a long curtsy to declining standards and compromises; her 2014 journey thumbed its nose at the town’s prestige-chasing.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

In October, I thumbed through snapshots my mother had stashed in albums, envelopes and shoeboxes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Members thumbed through ballots and talked local politics and how tough it was being a conservative in California.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2024

Guests thumbed through the order of service, which one Muslim guest in the pews said was “very helpful” for navigating the Christian ceremony.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 3, 2024

I thumbed the pages and saw strange words and strange names.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright