Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It needs to be nipped in the bud because today's petty thief is tomorrow's bank robber," he says.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

A Los Angelean gets help from a petty thief to rescue a woman from killers on the same train to Chicago.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2020

Illinois, involved a petty thief who was forced to remain in prison to pay off a fine, even after he had served his term.

From New York Times • Jan. 8, 2019

Is being a jerk or a petty thief really an unforgivable sin?

From The Verge • Oct. 4, 2018

There is no spiritual symbiosis; I'm just a petty thief who lifts his memories the same way I’ll take a handful of change left on his dresser.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris