pettifogger

noun

Definition of pettifoggernext
1
as in lawyer

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2
as in quibbler

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pettifogger For nearly three years now, I’ve been fascinated by the performance art of this blustering pettifogger. — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pettifogger
  1. lawyer
  2. purist
  3. shyster
  4. perfectionist
  5. attorney
Noun
  • Blinken and the White House turned to lawyers at the State Department and the National Security Council, who took a highly technical approach.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • His lawyers said others had access to his devices and cited signs of hacking.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 20 July 2026
Definition of lawyer
Noun
  • Spain versus Argentina in the final 24 hours later was never going to be a purists’ classic, but what unfolded was undoubtedly the dirtiest final since 2010, when the Spanish also faced aggressive, uncompromising opponents — the Netherlands.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • In recent days, though, broadcasters have predicted the spectacle will cause the regular half-time break to be extended, much to the annoyance of soccer purists.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Definition of purist
Noun
  • The bubble-ists think that the Coreweave people are hopeless dreamers at best and shysters at worst.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
  • To demonstrate that point in a video, a researcher told a robot arm to put a bunch of plastic grapes into a clear Tupperware container, then proceeded to shift three containers around on the table in an approximation of a shyster’s shell game.
    — Eliza Strickland, IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of shyster
Noun
  • The primary focus will be on manager Thomas Tuchel, the German perfectionist who drew the ire of his nation after being critical of the Three Lions’ performance in the quarterfinal win over Norway.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Angela, a high-strung perfectionist, spends the day meticulously preparing dinner and decorating the apartment for the impromptu gathering.
    — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of perfectionist
Noun
  • Patrick Clancy appears to share a similar perspective to the one put forward by his wife’s attorney and the lawsuit.
    — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • The Innocence Project persuaded a top trial attorney, Hubert Santos, to advocate for Smith’s release.
    — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Definition of attorney

Browse Nearby Words

petticoat
pettifogger
pettifoggers
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Cite this Entry

“Pettifogger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pettifogger. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pettifogger

Nglish: Translation of pettifogger for Spanish Speakers

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