Definitions

picayune

[pik-ee-yoon, pik-uh-] / ˌpɪk iˈyun, ˌpɪk ə- /

ADJECTIVE

trivial

Synonyms

WEAK

diminutive everyday frivolous immaterial incidental inconsequential inconsiderable insignificant irrelevant little meager mean meaningless minor minute negligible nonessential of no account paltry petty piddling puny slight small superficial trifling trite unimportant

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.

The contest, in a district stretching from lower Manhattan into brownstone Brooklyn, has featured plenty of bile about Trump, promises of a more affordable city and picayune local disputes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

The next-largest categories, and we think the most concerning, encompass election administration and absentee voting – often challenging mechanical, even picayune matters.

From Salon • Oct. 27, 2022

It is cluttered with the unruly archives of Mama Tina, Glasgow’s mother and co-missionary, and it can seem picayune.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 7, 2018

The concerns of the Chateau — and “The Château” — feel picayune by comparison.

From Washington Post • Feb. 23, 2018

I made the mistake of saying we were back to the picayune grind.

From "Feed" by M.T. Anderson

Vocabulary lists containing picayune

100 Words to Make You Sound Smart

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It's the Little Things: Synonyms for "Small"

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Feed

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