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Definitions

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

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

Nixon may have been paranoid but at least he didn’t sound like a petulant teenager.

From Salon • Sep. 23, 2025

With actress Julie Christie or supermodel Jean Shrimpton on his arm, he specialised in playing sophisticated villains: including Superman's arch nemesis, General Zod, and the petulant Sergeant Troy in Far From the Madding Crowd.

From BBC • Aug. 17, 2025

Lola was immediately petulant, and Briony assumed that these rapid changes of mood were part of her recent upset.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan




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