Definitions

petty

[pet-ee] / ˈpɛt i /

ADJECTIVE

trivial, insignificant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

frivolous lesser minor narrow-minded

STRONG

base inessential inferior junior light little lower peanut scratch secondary shallow shoestring slight small subordinate trifling

WEAK

casual cheap contemptible inconsequent inconsiderable irrelevant measly negligible nickel-and-dime niggling paltry penny-ante pettifogging picayune piddling shabby small-minded two-bit unimportant

Antonyms

STRONGEST

greater major

STRONG

big enormous first-class first-rate great huge immense important large significant superior

WEAK

consequential necessary prominent useful

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.

Officers say drones are rapidly becoming a routine part of law enforcement, from assisting in search-and-rescue operations to issuing tickets for traffic violations and other petty crimes.

From The Wall Street Journal

One of his most popular films was the 1975 blockbuster, Sholay, where he played a petty criminal hired by the police to capture a villain.

From BBC

It’s elementary: Characters can do outlandish things, commit outrageous crimes, be inspired by the pettiest of motives.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, it would help prevent petty vindictiveness from ruling when lives are at stake.

From Salon

Ransone played Ziggy, the clumsy and chaotic petty criminal in the second season of the crime drama, which is one of the most acclaimed TV series of all time.

From BBC

petty

Example Sentences

Related Words