petulance

[ pech-uh-luhns ]

/ ˈpɛtʃ ə ləns /

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See synonyms for petulance on Thesaurus.com

noun

the state or quality of being petulant.

a petulant speech or action.

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Origin of petulance

First recorded in 1600–10, petulance is from the Latin word petulantia impudence. See petulant, -ance

Words nearby petulance

Petty-Fitzmaurice, petty jury, petty larceny, petty officer, petty sessions, petulance, petulancy, petulant, petunia, petuntse, Petworth House

How to use petulance in a sentence

Adding carefully that although this might sound like “a piece of feminist petulance” to some, Morgan hoped to convince her readers that her semantic point vitiated much of the “speculation” concerning the evolutionary origins of humanity.
Tarzan Wasn’t for Her - Issue 100: Outsiders|Erika Lorraine Milam|June 2, 2021|Nautilus
For the past four years, during Rico’s steady ascent to national stardom, some have heard her charismatic petulance as a punk-rock echo, and that’s one way to calibrate your ears to her musical nya-nya.
Rico Nasty will show you what mischief sounds like|Chris Richards|December 10, 2020|Washington Post
Fortunately, Boehner has elected to ignore this display of petulance and continue with his landmark attempt to sue the president.
Why Boehner’s Lawsuit Against Obama Could Work|Ron Christie|July 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The 19-year-old pop star, petulance personified, is acting out.
The Epic Justin Bieber Meltdown May Be the Most Worrisome One Yet|Kevin Fallon|January 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The line captures the intriguing paradox that is West, a mélange of petulance, bombast, unintentional—or intentional?
Praise ‘Yeezus’: Kanye West’s New Album Is an Eclectic Tour de Force|Marlow Stern|June 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Except for a bit of petulance directed toward Stephanopoulos and a bit of pique directed at Huntsman, Romney maintained his cool.
Paul Begala: Mitt Romney’s Competition Folds in New Hampshire Debate|Paul Begala|January 8, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Perry gave petulance a whole new universe of meaning, and was so personal with Romney he lost the crowd.
GOP's Fight Night||October 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Quick, nervous, and lithe in his movements, the natural petulance of his disposition manifested itself in his every gesture.
The Seven Cardinal Sins: Envy and Indolence|Eugne Sue
Petulance and a false notion of dignity led them to neglect their duty to their country and their party.
The Political History of England - Vol. X.|William Hunt
Margaret, who neither wanted sense nor feeling, wiped her tears hastily, and asked her patroness's forgiveness for her petulance.
The Fortunes of Nigel|Sir Walter Scott
"Of course we shall," said May, with a suspicion of petulance.
A Houseful of Girls|Sarah Tytler
A university training does not necessarily transform petulance into ripe wisdom.
Humanly Speaking|Samuel McChord Crothers

petulance

Origin of petulance

Words nearby petulance

Words related to petulance

How to use petulance in a sentence