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

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

On the flip side, I do also understand the pettiness of the Tottenham fans who do not want Arsenal to win the title.

From BBC • May 16, 2024

She liked Jennifer, liked her lack of pettiness, her tough-but-fair stance, her honesty.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray