pettiness

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.

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

But for a moment, O’Donnell’s ability to see through her ego's camouflage makes her reconsider her pettiness.

From Salon • May 9, 2025

It’s like the prom scene in “Carrie,” only Elphaba rises above the pettiness.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2024

The sheer pettiness of these gripes—the fact that these men continue to filter justice through their small, round, grudge-colored glasses—is what is breathtaking here.

From Slate • May 17, 2024

I admit: I had always thought I was above this kind of typical teenage pettiness, but I felt a lump in my throat throughout lunch.

From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio