pet peeve

noun

Definition of pet peevenext
as in problem
US something that annoys or bothers a person very much One of my biggest pet peeves is people driving too slowly on the highway.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pet peeve My pet peeve is definitely houses without books. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 19 May 2026 But this remains a parks pet peeve. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026 His deep dive into the genre left him with some pet peeves, not least the irrational or simply implausible behavior of many horror-movie protagonists. — Alex Barasch, New Yorker, 11 May 2026 Not exactly ideal in a flagship vehicle and my biggest pet peeve with the Sequoia. — Jesus R. Garcia, Houston Chronicle, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pet peeve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pet peeve
  1. problem
  2. worry
Noun
  • Although the problem warrants a systemic fix, the best short-term solution is for hospitals to create more nuanced documentation tools, and for clinicians to exercise judgment when using them.
    — Leah Pierson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Pennsylvania and New York are not the only states with a growing problem.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of problem
Noun
  • The euro sank to its lowest level against the dollar since May 2025 over Spain’s snap elections added to mounting fiscal and political worries across the region.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Such strong growth is what’s allowed stocks to rally near records despite a long list of worries and challenges.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of worry

Browse Nearby Words

petits-maîtres
pet peeve
pet peeves
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Cite this Entry

“Pet peeve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pet%20peeve. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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