priggish
adjective
fussy about trivialities or propriety, especially in a self-righteous or irritating manner.
priggishness
-
a word derived from
priggish.
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.
In a novel full of insufferable characters interfering with romantic soulmates, Mary commits the sins of both pedantry and priggishness.
From Salon ● Jun. 25, 2026
One hopes her taste for the work of Thornhill had not entirely lapsed by then—as her youthful priggishness had abated into the wise compassion, ironic humor, and psychological perceptiveness that characterize her novels.
From The New Yorker ● Jul. 28, 2015
Because I do see it as priggishness, prudishness, squeamishness.
From Newsweek ● Feb. 26, 2015
If Ryder follows his curmudgeonly mate, we'll be left with Dom Jolly's insufferable priggishness, Linford's unreconstructed attitude to women and Gillian's habitual knee-buckling.
From The Guardian ● Nov. 22, 2010
“Not at all, my dear friend. It is I that must apologize to you. The whole incident was entirely due to my priggishness and lack of manners.”
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
