Simple:
* The robot was designed to be sentient, capable of independent thought and feeling.
* The question of whether or not animals are sentient is a complex one.
More complex:
* While the AI program could process information at an astonishing rate, it lacked the sentient spark that would make it truly conscious.
* The ancient myth told of a sentient forest, where trees whispered secrets to those who knew how to listen.
* Some philosophers believe that consciousness and sentience are the same, while others argue that they are distinct.
Figurative:
* The city, with its bustling streets and constant activity, felt sentient, a living organism pulsing with life.
Remember, "sentient" implies a being that is aware of itself and its surroundings, capable of experiencing emotions and having subjective experiences.