pettier; pettiest
1
: having secondary rank or importance : minor, subordinate
2
: having little or no importance or significance
3
: marked by or reflective of narrow interests and sympathies : small-minded
Synonyms
Examples of petty in a Sentence
a petty argument about grammar
My behavior was petty and stupid. I apologize.
Recent Examples on the Web
Officers in the program would spend their days working with kids on youth football teams and in mentorship programs instead of busting them for petty crimes.
—
Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2024
If Eilish really does think Swift’s songs are too literal, her concerts too long, her release strategy too wasteful, and her feuds too petty, there must be better ways to air those grievances.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 1 June 2024
Others — no more working from home — feel both petty and a touch hypocritical, given Ratcliffe’s own living arrangements.
—Rory Smith, New York Times, 31 May 2024
This is about acceptance, this is about being a family, this is about loving someone in distress more than hating them for petty reasons.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for petty 
Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2024
If Eilish really does think Swift’s songs are too literal, her concerts too long, her release strategy too wasteful, and her feuds too petty, there must be better ways to air those grievances.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 1 June 2024
Others — no more working from home — feel both petty and a touch hypocritical, given Ratcliffe’s own living arrangements.
—Rory Smith, New York Times, 31 May 2024
This is about acceptance, this is about being a family, this is about loving someone in distress more than hating them for petty reasons.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for petty
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'petty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near petty
Cite this Entry
“Petty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petty. Accessed 17 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
petty
adjective
pet·ty
ˈpet-ē 
pettier; pettiest
1
: lesser in rank or importance : minor
a petty prince
2
: having little or no importance or meaning
petty details
3
: having or displaying a mean narrow-minded attitude : small-minded
Etymology
Middle English pety "small, minor," an altered form of petit (same meaning), from early French petit "small"
Legal Definition
Biographical Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share