Quick answer
Petulance means childishly bad-tempered impatience or sulky irritability. It is usually pronounced , and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Petulance
Petulance means childishly bad-tempered impatience or sulky irritability. It belongs to emotions and peculiar mind states and works best in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
emotionsmind-stateexpressive
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, petulance refers to childishly bad-tempered impatience or sulky irritability. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Petulance feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Petulance is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Petulance is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The column dismissed the whole rumor as petulance.
- In the novel, one petulance is enough to derail the dinner party.
- She used petulance in the essay because the plain modern word felt too bland.
- The teacher paused to explain petulance before asking the class to use it in context.
- They kept repeating petulance because the sound of it was almost as memorable as the meaning.
When should you use this word?
Use petulance when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses.
Similar words
addled, agita, angst, befogged, besotted
Opposite or contrasting words
calm, ease, composure
Common questions
- What does petulance mean? childishly bad-tempered impatience or sulky irritability.
- How do you pronounce petulance? It is commonly pronounced .
- Is petulance still used today? Petulance is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use petulance? Use petulance when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses.
- What words are similar to petulance? Similar words include addled, agita, angst, and befogged.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.