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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

The snarky, sometimes petulant exchanges reflect how unsettled the race to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom is, as well as California’s outsize economic and political gravitas on the national and international stage.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

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

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

“While our improper payments will go up, and fraudsters may compromise identities, no money will go from the public trust to a petulant child.”

From Salon • Sep. 9, 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




Vocabulary lists containing petulant


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