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petty

[pet-ee] / ˈpɛt i /


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.

It was a petty beef arising from disrespectful comments made to someone’s girlfriend, but Tylon Hardy responded anyway.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

In 1921, a series of petty crimes swept through Southampton, England.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Her neighbour, 71-year-old Kusum Mishra, who arrived 50 years ago, also dismissed the "petty compensation" offered, complaining that "they are uprooting us and destroying our lives."

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Most of Haymon’s 26-year legal career has been in the public defender’s office, handling juvenile and adult cases that range from petty theft to homicide.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

“That we are made for more than our desires. That pride combined with stubbornness can be disaster. And that compared with love, malice is a small and petty thing.”

From "The Wednesday Wars" by Gary D. Schmidt




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