Synonyms for
Petty
Definition
of little importance; trivial; narrow-minded; small-minded
Synonyms & similar words
footling
subaltern
picayune
lowly
lilliputian
piddling
piffling
juniorgrade
little
niggling
grandlarceny
trivial
smallminded
pettylarceny
fiddling
secondary
lowerranking
petitlarceny
trivial
insignificant
unimportant
minor
small
little
mean
narrow-minded
small-minded
pint-sized
puny
paltry
meager
slight
inconsequential
worthless
cheap
shabby
low
base
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- petty cash
- petty crime
- petty officer
- petty theft
- petty grievance
- petty squabble
- petty argument
Word family
Usage note
Often used to describe actions, disputes, or concerns that are trivial or of little importance. Can carry a negative connotation of being small-minded or overly concerned with minor details.
Example sentences
- The petty thief stole a pack of gum from the store.
- The teacher scolded the student for his petty behavior.
- The petty cash register was empty.
- My sister and I had a petty argument over who got to use the red crayon.
- The boss refused to give the employee a raise because of his petty mistakes.
Quotes
It is petty to insist on a particular style of dress or of living, or even of speech, for these are things over which one has only partial control, and it is futile to worry about that which is beyond your power to change.
The world is full of petty annoyances and minor irritations, and it takes a great deal of patience and forbearance to get through the day without losing your temper.
Petty minds are easily swayed by flattery and affected by criticism, but strong minds remain steadfast in their beliefs and principles.