petulance

noun

pet·​u·​lance ˈpe-chə-lən(t)s How to pronounce petulance (audio)
: the quality or state of being petulant : peevishness

Examples of petulance in a Sentence

I do not appreciate your petulance and eagerness to argue.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But that all changed after a bout of petulance during a Premier League game against Blackburn Rovers in the final midweek of that season. Carl Anka, New York Times, 14 May 2025 Perhaps Kevin Love, who had served as a locker-room (and social-media) buffer during the worst of times over Butler’s six weeks of Heat-ed petulance this season. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 May 2025 But the nearly invisible surveillance-style approach to capturing the survivalists seems to help both them and their pit crews (who must live and sleep at HQ) forget that they will be broadcast on national TV, allowing for some raw moments of petulance, fear, and questionable choices. Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025 And Monday night’s show of frustration and occasional petulance at Stamford Bridge was precisely the kind of example Pereira does not need from a player supposed to set an example for others to follow. Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for petulance

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petulance was in 1535

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Cite this Entry

“Petulance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petulance. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

petulance

noun
pet·​u·​lance ˈpech-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce petulance (audio)
: the quality or state of being petulant

More from Merriam-Webster on petulance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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