brush with

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.

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s recent brush with mortality reminds us how clearly his administration showed that people, not impersonal forces, make history—especially men of vision and courage like him.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Historic freezes in 1894 and 1895 nearly eradicated the industry, its first and last real brush with old-world calamity.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Her brush with fame began with #Momtok, as the self-proclaimed founder of the Utah-based group of Mormon moms that spawned the so-called corner of TikTok where they shared choreographed dance videos and light lifestyle content.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Their work had an unlikely brush with literary fame: during a visit in 1873, Mark Twain was so taken with the dining‑room mantelpiece at Ayton Castle that he purchased it.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

Ellsberg took out his camera to document his brush with death.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin