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
Relevance
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
At first, the women appear to be locked in a petty squabble over Daniel’s attention and affection.
—
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
The show is serious about the barely exceptional lives of unremarkable American kids, finding profundity by treating these crossroads in life with care and nuance, not as petty problems.
—Greta Rainbow, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
And now, apparently, to carry out petty grievances against his former employer.
—Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Nothing is too petty, too silly, too stupid, or too weird to be included.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for petty
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
The show is serious about the barely exceptional lives of unremarkable American kids, finding profundity by treating these crossroads in life with care and nuance, not as petty problems.
—Greta Rainbow, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
And now, apparently, to carry out petty grievances against his former employer.
—Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Nothing is too petty, too silly, too stupid, or too weird to be included.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for petty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for petty
Adjective
-
This personal blender can whip up breakfast smoothies, sauces and dips, salsas, omelets, and more thanks to its small but mighty 250-watt power base and stainless steel cross blade.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
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Among its 14 plant oils are argan kernel and rice bran, which regulate sebum production and loosen dead skin cells, respectively—and, together, leave your pores looking significantly smaller and your skin significantly smoother.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Since 2020, public debt has surged by approximately 61%, outpacing nominal GDP growth of 38% through Q2 2025.—
Bob Haber,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Richard Kone, a goalscorer on the opening day of last season at the SToK Cae Ras in Wycombe Wanderers colours, may have been the nominal front man in a 4-2-3-1 set-up, but his link-up play and intelligent movement were matched by Harvey Vale, Koki Saito and Rumarn Burrell.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Or if that is not parochial enough, there are some decent Carabao Cup ties on Tuesday, with Manchester United’s conquerors Grimsby Town going to Sheffield Wednesday and Crystal Palace hosting Millwall, a replay of last season’s bruising FA Cup clash.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Now, fashion is very parochial and very predictable.—
James Fallon,
Footwear News,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The night’s slight chill is perfect for a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon by an indoor fireplace or outdoor firepit.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Julie McNamara is back developing series for CBS Studios — with one slight difference.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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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
-
But who gets to decide what is trivial and what isn’t?—
Nicole Flattery,
Harpers Magazine,
19 Sep. 2025
-
This may seem trivial, but Brümate’s coolers almost look too pretty to knock around, and indeed dropping them on my driveway did create some scuffs that took away from the overall sleek aesthetic.—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
18 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
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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 22 Sep. 2025.
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