civilly

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.

In general, the law is deferential to police, giving officers significant discretion to use force, making it difficult to hold them criminally or civilly liable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

This latest revelation is fueling debate over whether the city of L.A. or the state of California can be found civilly liable for its role in the fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

In the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned breaking unjust laws openly, cheerfully, lovingly and civilly, while willingly accepting the penalty.

From Salon • Jul. 5, 2025

The two could civilly debate the issues of the day while cheerily disagreeing with each other—serving as a model of bipartisan debate and domesticity.

From Slate • Nov. 1, 2024

It would have been a pleasure to tell him where to go, but I spoke civilly.

From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler