Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

picayune

[pik-ee-yoon, pik-uh-] / ˌpɪk iˈyun, ˌpɪk ə- /


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.

In the Ackman-verse, where the Pershing Square Capital founder has bet billions of dollars on and against companies including Hilton and Google parent Alphabet, the focus of his social media takedown might appear downright picayune.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The next-largest categories, and we think the most concerning, encompass election administration and absentee voting – often challenging mechanical, even picayune matters.

From Salon • Oct. 27, 2022

It is cluttered with the unruly archives of Mama Tina, Glasgow’s mother and co-missionary, and it can seem picayune.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 7, 2018

You need to burrow into the weeds on picayune issues so you know where opportunities for compromise lie.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2017

I made the mistake of saying we were back to the picayune grind.

From "Feed" by M.T. Anderson




Vocabulary lists containing picayune