PETULANCE Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

petulance

noun

ˈpe-chə-lən(t)s

Definition of petulance next

as in irritability

readiness to show annoyance or impatience I do not appreciate your petulance and eagerness to argue

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of petulance California voters acted with urgency, but implementation efforts have been met with petulance and parsimonious budgetary support that is barely one fourth of what is needed. —

Steve Smith, Oc Register, 18 Nov. 2025 True, its narrative was hard to follow, its dialogue abstruse, but why the petulance? —

Peter Bart, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025 So there’s a feeling of vindictiveness and petulance that’s in there, but there’s also a practicality to it, too. —

Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2025 In an obvious display of childish petulance, a significant number of Democratic representatives in Texas abandoned their jobs and responsibilities to the voters by fleeing to Illinois. —

For The Carroll County Times, Baltimore Sun, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for petulance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for petulance

Noun

Restricting them can increase irritability, low mood, food preoccupation, and risk of binge eating.

— Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 16 Mar. 2026
Sleep also plays a major role in emotional regulation and cognitive performance as insufficient sleep can impair attention, decision-making and reaction time while also increasing irritability and sensitivity to stress.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 1 Mar. 2026