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petulant

[pech-uh-luhnt] / ˈpɛtʃ ə lənt /


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.

Rather than being icily commanding, he comes across as a petulant muppet.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

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

Despite being a man down, Tottenham were well on top in stoppage time and chasing an equaliser when their captain Romero received a second yellow card for a petulant kick out at Ibrahima Konate.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

Aunty Uju sounded defiant, even petulant, clenching her fist tightly around her own story.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie




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