1
as in small
not broad or open in views or opinions
a petty little town that was not ethnically diverse and very happy about the situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nominal
so small or unimportant as to warrant little or no attention
obsessed over even petty problems
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of petty
The longer this can keeps getting kicked down the road, the pettier everyone looks.
—
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025
With a few exceptions, this cast is rife with petty grudges and trivial scandals that make for perfect competition-show fodder.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2025
Take a trip to 2099, with Star Amerasu’s hysterical and clever social-media videos set in our very petty future.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2025
The film explores the petty jealousies and power dynamics that fuel the group of interchangeable young men in Oliver’s orbit, as Matthew gradually becomes famous by association and fights to stay relevant.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for petty
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025
With a few exceptions, this cast is rife with petty grudges and trivial scandals that make for perfect competition-show fodder.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2025
Take a trip to 2099, with Star Amerasu’s hysterical and clever social-media videos set in our very petty future.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2025
The film explores the petty jealousies and power dynamics that fuel the group of interchangeable young men in Oliver’s orbit, as Matthew gradually becomes famous by association and fights to stay relevant.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for petty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for petty
Adjective
-
Even if advised by a manufacturer, the marble cleaning solution should still be tested on a small, inconspicuous area before getting started.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Her list continues with small but frustrating oversights.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The current, nominal target for such a mission is 2027, but no reasonable observer believes that is possible.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Though the nominal focus is Hind Rajab herself, Ben Hania’s film is a window on the world of Palestine’s Red Crescent volunteer service.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Now, fashion is very parochial and very predictable.—
James Fallon,
Footwear News,
10 Sep. 2025
-
This week, in parochial and Christian schools across Chicago and the suburbs, schoolchildren filed into pews with their classmates to observe church services ahead of the school day.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Boise State basketball’s conference schedule was announced on Tuesday morning, and there’s a slight difference to this year’s Mountain West slate.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Sep. 2025
-
While strong finances and health helped bolster the country's overall 70% score, that was offset by factors including income inequality, a slight increase in unemployment and a decline in happiness.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Students have a narrow window to unlock access to training that could dramatically shape their post-grad trajectory.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
For decades, OPOs have been bulky systems with narrow ranges.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In Belly’s case, making the Paris decision—let alone the decision of which brother to be with—involves critical-thinking skills and a sense of self, neither of which is a trivial quality.—
Greta Rainbow,
The Atlantic,
10 Sep. 2025
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More nuanced public health messaging could follow, helping to avoid unnecessary fear over trivial exposures.—
Anna Broughel,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The Olympic silver medalist ran textbook races all season with little to no critiques on form and competitive nature.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Most available positions are informal, poorly compensated and offer little stability or room for career growth.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Petty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/petty. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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