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Definitions

petulance

[pech-uh-luhns] / ˈpɛtʃ ə ləns /
NOUN
peevishness
Synonyms


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.

Tom has a more pressing motive than soothing petulance over illustrations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Musk’s petulance doesn’t demand a great deal of investigation.

From Barron's • Dec. 8, 2025

The question, according to Rebecca Roiphe, a law professor at New York University, is whether Costello’s in-court petulance will be remembered when jurors begin to deliberate as soon as next week.

From Salon • May 21, 2024

Asked about the possible selection of Newman a month ago, Wane highlighted his petulance as a barrier.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2023

“But they’re getting all the fame and opportunity,” Milo persisted with a petulance that bordered on sniveling.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller




Vocabulary lists containing petulance