sued; suing
1
a
: to seek justice or right from (a person) by legal process
specifically
: to bring an action against
b
: to proceed with and follow up (a legal action) to proper termination
2
archaic
: to pay court or suit to : woo
3
obsolete
: to make petition to or for
1
: to take legal proceedings in court
2
: to make a request or application : plead
—usually used with for or to
sue for peace
3
: to pay court : woo
He loved … but sued in vain …—
William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth
suer
noun
Examples of sue in a Sentence
Some people sue over the most minor things.
People injured in accidents caused by the defective tire have threatened to sue.
They've threatened to sue the company.
He is suing the doctor who performed the unnecessary surgery.
Recent Examples on the Web
Coffee giant Starbucks recently dumped an AI tool intended to automate some inventory processes, while Yum is being sued by a Pizza Hut franchisee that alleges an AI system led to operational breakdowns that hurt sales at 100 locations.
—John Kell, Fortune, 17 June 2026
In a 2021 court decision, an incarcerated man had tried to sue Bureau of Prisons officials after his cellmate stabbed him and left him blind in one eye.
—Christie Thompson, NPR, 17 June 2026
Butler sued the city and its police department in February 2025.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 17 June 2026
In a highly unusual move, the US Justice Department has urged a federalcourt to throw out a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s company xAI for its use of polluting gas turbines — sparking concerns the government is trying to undermine the ability of individuals or communities to sue polluters.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sue
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John Kell, Fortune, 17 June 2026
In a 2021 court decision, an incarcerated man had tried to sue Bureau of Prisons officials after his cellmate stabbed him and left him blind in one eye.
—Christie Thompson, NPR, 17 June 2026
Butler sued the city and its police department in February 2025.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 17 June 2026
In a highly unusual move, the US Justice Department has urged a federalcourt to throw out a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s company xAI for its use of polluting gas turbines — sparking concerns the government is trying to undermine the ability of individuals or communities to sue polluters.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sue
Cite this Entry
“Sue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sue. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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