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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Combined with anemic fundraising, a payment to her former criminal defense lawyer left her with just $11,000 in cash in her campaign account as of March 31.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
12 May 2026
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Mamdani’s top lawyer, Corporation Counsel Steve Banks, has, to his credit, promised under oath, twice, to release the records.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
11 May 2026
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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The Odyssey trailer that’s upsetting some purists?—
Rima Parikh,
Vulture,
10 May 2026
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Some include fruit that purists might not approve of, but that should be tried.—
Victoria Spencer,
Martha Stewart,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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An attorney for Sohail did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
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If the divorce paperwork does not address the loan, or if your former spouse cannot qualify to refinance, talk with your family law attorney about your options.—
Gary Singer,
Sun Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Noun
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The actress puts her Broadway chops to good use as the ambitious perfectionist (and Barbra Streisand obsessive) Rachel Berry on Glee, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for the role.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
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Kurtz said the partners are all perfectionists, and that carries over to their cup quality.—
Jenna Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pettifogger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pettifogger. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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