Petty

Notable musical surname

Petty describes things that are small, trivial, or of minor importance—and often carries a note of contempt.

A petty complaint isn't worth the fuss.

Petty cash is a small fund for minor expenses.

Petty crime involves minor offenses like shoplifting.

When applied to people, petty suggests meanness of spirit—someone preoccupied with slights and grudges: She's being petty about the seating arrangement.

That was petty of him.

trivial

minor

Scale with lowered third

smallLimited in size
insignificantLacking importance or consequence
triflingOf no real importance

trivial · unimportant · inconsequential · negligible · frivolous · nitpicking · quibbling · hairsplitting · pedantic · fussy

spiteful

grudge

Persistent resentment toward someone

vindictiveSeeking harm from resentment
mean-spiritedUnkind in a petty way
resentfulFeeling lingering ill will

bitter · jealous · envious · malicious · snide · catty · passive-aggressive · backstabbing · scheming · revenge

rank

officer

Authority figure in uniform

bourgeoisMiddle-class and conventional
officialAuthority-sanctioned person or status
bureaucratGovernment administrative official

tyrant · functionary · subordinate · inferior · minor · lesser · small-time · unimportant · nobility · gentry

minor-crime

theft

Unlawful taking of property

larcenyUnlawful taking of goods
misdemeanorLesser criminal charge
shopliftingStealing store merchandise

pilfering · offense · infraction · violation · crime · criminal · thief · stealing · pickpocket · fraud

Petty

minor

grudge

officer

theft

Petty

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family