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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There's a marginal risk of severe weather near the Twin Cities, with a slight risk in the central and northwestern part of the state.
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Man, to see that Curaçao player — in a moment that’s quite important to him, that is earned over so many years of effort — give a slight nod to the invisible man, that warms my heart and brings a smile to my face.
Adjective
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Some were petty — like Reese committing a foul against Clark, then jerking her head back, impersonating Clark as a flopper.
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As long as there have been people, there have been petty complaints about people.
Adjective
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Merlin, a 2-year-old duck, has taken the internet by storm, captivating fans with his tiny form-fitting Team Mexico jersey and confident waddle around his home of Mexico City.
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Providing indefinite joy for the price of just one night at a hotel, this Instagram-worthy blow-up shelter is practically a portable tiny home that sets up within a few minutes.
Adjective
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There are so many models out there from so many manufacturers, with minute differences between them.
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Photos and videos of the interior reveal buccaneer style down to the most minute details, like octopus tentacle door handles.
Adjective
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In less trifling hands, there’s no telling what these tools could do, are doing now.
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Meanwhile, that global temperature record that DiCaprio mentioned in his acceptance speech in 2016 seems almost trifling compared to what has happened since.
Adjective
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These statements are not trivial.
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My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a trivial note.
Adjective
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Yet at the individual and family level, there was little.
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For example, when the question comes up if a certain weird little alien on a space bus who sounds unmistakably like Seth Rogen is actually Rogen.
Adjective
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Then, the pandemic reduced the schedule to 60 games and Eddie got a piddling 37%.
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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.
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“Pettifogging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pettifogging. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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