pettiness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This is a novel about pettiness, middle-class superficiality, disloyalty, prejudice and cruelty, with this coterie of rather vile friends acting as a microcosm for a society in decline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Brooks was arrested and told officers: "It was really just pettiness on the part of people - I know I shouldn't have done that, I shouldn't have done Photoshop."

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2025

But in their darkest hour, when the most odious contestant seems inevitable, the Cady of the conclave asserts his presence to chastise his fellow cardinals for their pettiness.

From Salon • Nov. 22, 2024

It’s like the prom scene in “Carrie,” only Elphaba rises above the pettiness.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2024

She liked Jennifer, liked her lack of pettiness, her tough-but-fair stance, her honesty.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray