as in irritable
easily irritated or annoyed
a petulant and fussy man who is always blaming everyone else for his problems
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 petulant
Martin Winkler, Fort Lauderdale Protecting PBS, NPR Americans have never elevated a more thin-skinned, petulant person to the presidency than the current guy.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2025
Panahi’s most recent release available for streaming, No Bears, is worlds away from his first petulant responses to the regime’s ban on his filmmaking.
—Tiara Ataii, Vulture, 24 June 2025
There’s the nepo baby president who never really wanted the responsibility but rises to the occasion because his country needs it in Marsden as the charming President Bradford, reminiscent of Scandal’s Fitz but less petulant.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 21 Mar. 2025
This team hasn’t just failed, it’s done so while often coming across as thoroughly petulant and unlikeable.
—Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for petulant
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2025
Panahi’s most recent release available for streaming, No Bears, is worlds away from his first petulant responses to the regime’s ban on his filmmaking.
—Tiara Ataii, Vulture, 24 June 2025
There’s the nepo baby president who never really wanted the responsibility but rises to the occasion because his country needs it in Marsden as the charming President Bradford, reminiscent of Scandal’s Fitz but less petulant.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 21 Mar. 2025
This team hasn’t just failed, it’s done so while often coming across as thoroughly petulant and unlikeable.
—Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for petulant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for petulant
Adjective
-
SSRIs are linked to a condition called neonatal adaption syndrome, in which infants are born jittery, irritable and with abnormal muscle tone.—
Andrew Novick,
The Conversation,
31 July 2025
-
Frequently, kids who suppress emotions at school come home irritable in a low-key fashion at home.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
Only the last photo during the end credits pictures the fiery aftermath of Hutch’s ultimate battle with Ladeena.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Wilson delivered country with the edge of a rock star While early parts of the show seemed a bit rushed, Wilson has an undeniable stage presence, moving effortlessly between dance breaks and fiery guitar solos that gave her the edge of a rock star.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Petulant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/petulant. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share