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
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Rivera pushed through her routine, adapting to slight errors and fighting for the landing on the dismount.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
9 Aug. 2025 -
These intimate scenes in the upstairs bedroom are the most effective of the entire production, even though the slight attempts at audience interaction don’t make much sense in this context.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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And the conflict between the law-abiding brother and his petty thief sibling isn’t over a herd of cattle or gold mine but over a screenplay an agent promises will bring them fame and fortune.—
Denise Crosby,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Aug. 2025
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Weeks before the closing announcement, blame fell on the store’s lack of shopping carts, the closure of self-checkout lanes and a visible rise in shoplifting and petty crime.—
Gloria Ngwa,
Twin Cities,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The tiny matching spoon fits perfectly inside the lid of the jam jar, and the jar even comes with a circular spoon rest. Serve up your favorite jams of the season, or use the jar in a gift basket alongside homemade creations during the holidays.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Aug. 2025
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The server came with a tiny wicker basket of bread.—
D. S. Waldman,
New Yorker,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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While there are mostly minute differences, the major departure in the movie comes at the end.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
4 Aug. 2025
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Furthermore, the decomposition of the body at the time of discovery complicates interpretation of sometimes minute physical findings suggestive of asphyxia.—
Michael Dorgan , Alexandra Koch , Bill Melugin , Garrett Tenney,
FOXNews.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Talk of mounting nuclear readiness towards Russia, which has more atomic weapons than any other country in the world, could overshadow more trifling domestic matters, like the Epstein scandal, for instance.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
2 Aug. 2025
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Pixar has long stood out by bringing something less trifling to theatergoing families.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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This makes perfect sense as some expectations, especially trivial and old-fashioned etiquette, are no longer relevant in today's modern world.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
29 July 2025
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And nothing’s too trivial, including comparing his inauguration attendance with that of President Barack Obama.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
17 July 2025
Adjective
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The blistering pace of climate change gives little chance for species to genetically adapt, although some are changing their behaviors.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Aug. 2025
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While taking home little to no paycheck within the first few years can be common among small business owners, said Kevin Ketels, the tricky balancing act child care owners play to maintain profitability is not.—
Beki San Martin,
Freep.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Then, the pandemic reduced the schedule to 60 games and Eddie got a piddling 37%.—
Star Tribune,
Star Tribune,
3 Dec. 2020
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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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“Pettifogging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pettifogging. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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