petty

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.

Opened in 1873, the privately operated detention facility housed petty delinquents and orphans, said Marc Schindler, a professor at Georgetown who leads the project.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

Della Cruz’s stirring Ninoy standing tall against the patriarchal savagery of Renfro’s Ferdinand and the petty vindictiveness of Acasio’s well-drawn Imelda is a powerful call to action.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

I realize this may sound like petty complaining.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

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

From Salon • Dec. 30, 2025

He stood there in his petty officer’s uniform, tall and almost shockingly broad-shouldered and thin-hipped, his cap pushed slightly back, the sun lighting on the patch of reddish hair that showed.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson