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petulant

[pech-uh-luhnt] / ˈpɛtʃ ə lənt /


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.

It’s the same feeling that a petulant toddler has when throwing a tantrum toward its parents.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

Despite being a man down, Tottenham were well on top in stoppage time and chasing an equaliser when their captain Romero received a second yellow card for a petulant kick out at Ibrahima Konate.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

The retelling of the first lady’s life recasts her as a petulant former cabaret performer who would rather be on stage than in the White House.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

The piece talked down to Roan and diminished her requests as childish and unthinking — ironic for something as petulant as the column reads.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2025

I try to hide my disappointment; it was kind of Judith to bring this for me, and I don’t want to seem more petulant than I already did earlier in the meeting.

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse




Vocabulary lists containing petulant


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