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
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Recent Examples of petulance
Florida has had enough of pettiness, politic stunts and petulance.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026
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
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026
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
-
Clutter has been linked to higher stress levels, lower focus, and feelings of tension or irritability, whereas clean and organized spaces are associated with calmness, a sense of control, and even better physical health.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 June 2026
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This is also one of the reasons why chronically high cortisol is associated with anxiety, irritability and trouble focusing.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
Noun
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Following his Game 1 sluggishness, Wembanyama played with more aggression and decisiveness.—
Mark Medina,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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The teen witness said Hunter Metcalf, the victim’s twin brother, told Anthony to leave in an escalating tone of aggression.—
Matt Lavietes,
NBC news,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Petulance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/petulance. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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