1
as in lawyer
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2
as in quibbler
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Recent Examples of pettifogger
For nearly three years now, I’ve been fascinated by the performance art of this blustering pettifogger.
—
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2023
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pettifogger
Noun
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Through tireless efforts, these lawyers are not only winning cases but also sending a powerful message: that every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and that those who violate these basic rights will be held accountable.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
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The order gradually shuts down operations at the detention facility in the Everglades that has been marred by several lawsuits, protests and complaints of civil rights violations from detainees and their lawyers.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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To demonstrate that point in a video, a researcher told a robot arm to put a bunch of plastic grapes into a clear Tupperware container, then proceeded to shift three containers around on the table in an approximation of a shyster’s shell game.—
Eliza Strickland,
IEEE Spectrum,
12 Mar. 2025
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Holmes is another shyster whose story has been dissected in several documentaries and in dramatizations like Hulu’s The Dropout, but Gibney brings specific insights and a fresh perspective to this truly unbelievable story.—
Declan Gallagher,
EW.com,
31 July 2024
Noun
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Despite mixed reviews from audio purists, Beats captured nearly 70% of the premium headphone market within five years, eventually selling to Apple for $3 billion.—
Roy Ward,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
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These combinations are not for corn purists who abide by their butter and salt.—
Beth Dooley,
Boston Herald,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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An immigration judge has denied her attorney's requests for her to be freed on bond while her case is being heard.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Freep.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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Woman still 'confused about why she was detained' Ortiz Soto, a Honduran, came to the United States in January 2019, her attorney said.—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
The Enquirer,
24 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pettifogger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pettifogger. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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