petulant

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’s the same feeling that a petulant toddler has when throwing a tantrum toward its parents.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

Hegseth’s language choices and petulant tone do not demonstrate an ignorance of what rhetorical situations demand of him; instead, they reflect a refusal to be emasculated by such cumbersome norms.

From Salon • Mar. 10, 2026

The retelling of the first lady’s life recasts her as a petulant former cabaret performer who would rather be on stage than in the White House.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

The boxers squabbled like petulant schoolchildren at a news conference in February, with Eubank holding court, taking aim at everyone in his eyeline, including Benn and Hearn.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2025

When he came back at times like this he would be petulant and penitent.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin