petulance

noun

pet·​u·​lance ˈpe-chə-lən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being petulant : peevishness

Synonyms

• biliousness
• choler
• crankiness
• crossness
• crotchetiness
• grouchiness
• grumpiness
• huffiness
• irascibility
• irascibleness
• irritability
• irritableness
• peevishness
• perverseness
• perversity
• pettishness
• testiness
• waspishness

Examples of petulance in a Sentence

I do not appreciate your petulance and eagerness to argue.

Recent Examples on the Web

Andrew’s response is more petulance; more younger brother than the adult, aging son of the sovereign. —Jack King, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024

If Donald Trump figured his usual petulance was going to put new Democratic ticket-topper Kamala Harris on the backfoot, the 78-year old ex-president might want to think again. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 July 2024

Lawsuits take a long time to work their way through the court system, and have uncertain outcomes; in the meantime, Tesla can be badly hurt by Musk’s petulance. —Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 14 June 2024

Buried at the end, on page 36, there is a distinct tone of petulance in the remarks from Catherine Koerner, the associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate. —Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 2 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

petulance

noun

pet·​u·​lance ˈpech-ə-lən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being petulant