recoil

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.

Some buyers who want an SUV recoil at the thought of owning a Jeep, but there isn’t a Chrysler SUV to offer them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

He follows Britain's Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron and Canada's Mark Carney, as they recoil from the mercurial policies of Trump, who is also expected to visit from March 31.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

We may all recoil in horror at “Mar-a-Lago face”—and you might be rolling your eyes at my foray into the world of butt-crack straightening.

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2026

It let out a deafening sound, and the recoil blew up leaves and dust from the ground.

From BBC • May 8, 2025

Her hands find Madame’s face, and the old woman’s cheek is so hot that Marie-Laure’s fingers recoil as though scalded.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr