a sign of the times
noun phrase
: something that shows the kinds of things that are happening, popular, important, etc., in a culture at a particular period in history
Having metal detectors in schools is a sign of the times.
Examples of a sign of the times in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bessent’s combativeness is, in part, a sign of the times, said David Lublin, chair of the Department of Government at American University’s School of Public Affairs.
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Fatima Hussein, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
This is a sign of the times and a shift in the way that their traditional business is done so that people are incentivized.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Jan. 2026
The introduction of the best podcast category could be seen as a sign of the times, as awards shows seek new ways to increase viewership.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
That the question about Powell is even unclear is a sign of the times with a president who, in unprecedented ways, openly seeks control of Fed policy and a Fed chair who has defiantly resisted that encroachment and tried to protect the Fed’s independence.
—Steve Liesman, CNBC, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for a sign of the times
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Fatima Hussein, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
This is a sign of the times and a shift in the way that their traditional business is done so that people are incentivized.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Jan. 2026
The introduction of the best podcast category could be seen as a sign of the times, as awards shows seek new ways to increase viewership.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
That the question about Powell is even unclear is a sign of the times with a president who, in unprecedented ways, openly seeks control of Fed policy and a Fed chair who has defiantly resisted that encroachment and tried to protect the Fed’s independence.
—Steve Liesman, CNBC, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for a sign of the times
Cite this Entry
“A sign of the times.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20sign%20of%20the%20times. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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