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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of petty
Seventy-five years later, some of the Tribune’s criticisms seem petty.
—
Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
History and modern times alike offer vivid examples of leaders who rose above the noise—remaining practically deaf to petty criticism—and stayed true to their vision.
—Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
There can be no taunting, no gloating, no petty spats, no bad-faith judgments, and no asking for nudes.
—Merve Emre, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Immigrants of all stripes commit crimes — from petty to serious — at lower rates than the native-born, while forming the backbone of multiple industries from agriculture and construction to health care and tech.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for petty
Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
History and modern times alike offer vivid examples of leaders who rose above the noise—remaining practically deaf to petty criticism—and stayed true to their vision.
—Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
There can be no taunting, no gloating, no petty spats, no bad-faith judgments, and no asking for nudes.
—Merve Emre, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Immigrants of all stripes commit crimes — from petty to serious — at lower rates than the native-born, while forming the backbone of multiple industries from agriculture and construction to health care and tech.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for petty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for petty
Adjective
-
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper and garlic powder.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
12 July 2025
-
This ultra-lightweight chair weighs just 3 pounds and packs into a carrying case the size of a small purse.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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However, New Delhi must address a number of chronic systemic issues that prevent the world’s fourth largest economy ($4.19 trillion by nominal gross domestic product) from becoming a competitive manufacturing destination.—
Kamran Bokhari,
Forbes.com,
17 July 2025
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The Congressional Budget Office projected the increase in migrants would boost the U.S. nominal GDP by $8.9 trillion between 2024 to 2034.—
Christiaan Hetzner,
Fortune,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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There also appeared to be a number of parochial changes aimed at placating some of the most vocal opponents of the legislation, including several for Alaska, home to Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican who has said the measure would hurt her state.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 June 2025
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Brian Colbert ran on a parochial platform focused on garden-variety local issues.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
There is a slight risk of excessive rainfall across most of east Central Florida.—
Garfield Hylton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
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Perhaps surprising, at-home tests come at a slight subscription premium.—
Andrew Williams,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
The 2026 battle for the Senate Republicans currently control the U.S. Senate 53-47, a narrow majority that has nonetheless helped shepherd GOP priorities through Congress along party lines.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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The class approved in New Hampshire is slightly narrower than that sought by the plaintiffs, who wanted to include parents, but attorneys said that wouldn't make a material difference.—
HOLLY RAMER,
arkansasonline.com,
11 July 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
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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
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If Brookshire bounces back the next year, Schroth predicts there will be little reaction from neighbors.—
Zoey Thomas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
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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
Adjective
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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
Cite this Entry
“Petty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/petty. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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