Synonyms

peddling

American

[ped-ling] / ˈpɛd lɪŋ /

adjective

trifling; paltry; piddling.

Other Word Forms

peddlingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of peddling

First recorded in 1590–1600; peddle + -ing ²

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.

Separately, the prime minister's brother, David Sánchez, has been indicted in an investigation into alleged influence peddling tied to his hiring by a regional government.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

While it’s true, as EduBirdie told Salon, that many of the online influencers peddling the “tradwife” life are actually paid professionals who make money off creating content, this hypocrisy doesn’t exonerate them.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

They appeared to show the public figures discussing how to engage in influence peddling and other misconduct—evidence, Slovenia’s opposition said, of “corruption of unimaginable proportions.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

“I am shocked that we’re going down and peddling tabloid garbage in this committee today,” she said.

From Slate • Mar. 5, 2026

So it wasn’t really insurance they were peddling.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023