1
as in lawyer
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2
as in quibbler
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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
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pettifogger
Noun
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But the lack of transparency and due process are similar, and there are few to no guarantees of the safety of people whom ICE agents remove, often without identifying themselves, and move around without notifying the family or lawyers of the detained.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Oct. 2025
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While on his jobs, Colter often has close calls with law enforcement, leading Reenie, a lawyer, to swoop in and save the day.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The bubble-ists think that the Coreweave people are hopeless dreamers at best and shysters at worst.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
28 Sep. 2025
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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
Noun
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Her current flavor catalog includes classic sourdough for the purists, blueberry-lemon for a bright twist, cinnamon swirl or cinnamon-raisin for cozy mornings, and even a colorful Funfetti version inspired by her friends’ kids.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Oct. 2025
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And though true skin-care purists might layer both in a 10-step routine, modern formulas like this one blur the lines—offering the best of both in one silky step.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Their attorney said law enforcement did not collect evidence from one of the dive computers, one of which is now missing.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
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Almost two hours after the start of the press conference, the mayor released a statement that didn't address any of the allegations made by Theetge's attorney.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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That’s a meaningful admission coming from a guy who often seems like a musical perfectionist.—
Jon Dolan,
Rolling Stone,
17 Oct. 2025
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The perfectionist and the goof.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pettifogger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pettifogger. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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