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pettiness

[pet-ee-nis] / ˈpɛt i nɪs /


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.

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Without cameras or timely released transcripts or audio, moments of pettiness, score settling, or open contempt for colleagues or parties by the justices can, and have, gone almost entirely unnoticed.

From Slate ● Jul. 2, 2026

This is a novel about pettiness, middle-class superficiality, disloyalty, prejudice and cruelty, with this coterie of rather vile friends acting as a microcosm for a society in decline.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 20, 2026

Perhaps Melania is just matching her husband’s destructive pettiness, in which case she’s joined an allegedly growing number of women of means who opt for quiet quitting their unhappy marriages rather than divorcing.

From Salon ● Dec. 11, 2025

Brooks was arrested and told officers: "It was really just pettiness on the part of people - I know I shouldn't have done that, I shouldn't have done Photoshop."

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2025

I brushed his hand away and took a step back, hating the sting of his words, hating my own pettiness even more.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros


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