as in slight
old-fashioned
worrying too much about details that are minor or not important
pettifogging lawyers
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pettifogging
Adjective
-
There is a slight risk of excessive rainfall across most of east Central Florida.—
Garfield Hylton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025 -
Perhaps surprising, at-home tests come at a slight subscription premium.—
Andrew Williams,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Moon is opposite Mercury in your sign, and this can trigger petty squabbles.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
12 July 2025
-
We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore.—
Rob Day,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
One nautical mile west of Santorini, opposite the village of Oia and the caldera, lies the tiny island of Therasia, accessible via boat departing from Ammoudi Bay.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
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The film community of Vancouver Island is tiny compared to the City of Vancouver’s Hollywood North hub.—
Jennie Punter,
Variety,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
This is a minute calculation that’s so small as to feel imperceptible and likely happens without much thought at all.—
Megan C. Reynolds,
Time,
27 June 2025
-
Festival organizers respected the lineup’s schedule, with set changes taking place with minute precision and without interruption.—
Billboard Italy,
Billboard,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
Pixar has long stood out by bringing something less trifling to theatergoing families.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
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Frankly, the more trifling the crime, the better this franchise’s comedy aspirations would work.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Regal is selling these services with a cost-savings pitch, but that may be trivial compared to the benefits of good customer service that technology can provide.—
Bill Conerly,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
While this matter may be trivial, family members not respecting how others present and share food can, over time, ruffle feathers in a household.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
With their upper minor league depth worn thin, the Braves’ called on 19-year-old Didier Fuentes, who had little experience above A ball.—
Tony Blengino,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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The shoulder straps can even be tied into little bows and adjusted for a custom fit.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Then, the pandemic reduced the schedule to 60 games and Eddie got a piddling 37%.—
Star Tribune,
Star Tribune,
3 Dec. 2020
-
Millions of additional claims are expected to stream in from around the country over the coming weeks, while hiring remains piddling.—
Patricia Cohen,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2020
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Cite this Entry
“Pettifogging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pettifogging. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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