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.

Despite all the consternation surrounding what many considered a ticky-tack flag, Bradberry acknowledged he committed a penalty on the pivotal play.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2023

Brooks, who complains often about calls, said officials made "ticky-tack" calls in the first half and then let the physical play get out of control in the second.

From Fox News • Dec. 9, 2021

The Bruins got a break late in the first half when officials called a ticky-tack technical foul on Colorado’s Dallas Walton for slamming the ball to the court after getting called for a foul.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2021

And I think that this is an umpire who has called a lot of ticky-tack stuff on men, and so maybe he doesn’t deserve to be so quickly labeled as a sexist.

From Slate • Sep. 10, 2018

Knox scored but the play was wiped out by a ticky-tack penalty on Corey Graham.

From Chicago Tribune • Oct. 20, 2014