crotchet

Synonym Chooser

How is the word crotchet distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of crotchet are caprice, vagary, and whim. While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference.

a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

When would caprice be a good substitute for crotchet?

The words caprice and crotchet are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness.

by sheer caprice she quit her job

When is vagary a more appropriate choice than crotchet?

In some situations, the words vagary and crotchet are roughly equivalent. However, vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire.

he had been prone to strange vagaries

Where would whim be a reasonable alternative to crotchet?

While the synonyms whim and crotchet are close in meaning, whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination.

an odd antique that was bought on a whim

Examples 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 crotchet Think outside the box All book collectors develop distinctive crotchets. Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024 The origins of brackets — once referred to as crotchets, crooks, or hooks — are a mystery. Sarah Fay, Longreads, 17 Mar. 2020 Among his other crotchets was an aversion to bare canvas. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 7 May 2018 Maxine attended to his every whim and crotchet, never lost faith in his brilliance or potential, and delighted in surrounding him with exactly the sort of frivolous company his wife abhorred. Sadie Stein, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crotchet
Noun
  • There’s also Image Wand which does similar pic-making tricks in the Notes app and Genmoji, the custom emoji characters which are also based on prompts from you.
    David Phelan, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Our fee-avoidance is more than a few money-saving tricks.
    Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Vanney said his mother, Jeanette, who taught kindergarten for four decades, instilled those traits in him.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Studies have suggested that musical taste is deeply tied to personality traits, and findings from a machine learning study run by Spotify offers a fresh perspective on this phenomenon.
    Diana Spehar, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Natural Textures Among the primary characteristics of Scandinavian design is the use of natural textures.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Nearly a decade ago, a journal called the Numismatic Chronicle published an article analyzing the rare coin’s characteristics—and noting some discrepancies in the alignment of its designs.
    Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Kim and actress, Yoon Se-ah, who plays his wife, excel in the mysterious expressions and robotic mannerisms that make the story all the more compelling.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The key to this is that the studio used the likeness of Harrison Ford, whose looks and mannerisms are intrinsic to the character.
    Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • However, experts agreed starting a new medication could be a good time to re-evaluate your drinking habits, especially since scaling back will likely be beneficial for your health.
    Maggie O'Neill, Health, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Briefings had been led not by the commissioner, but by lower-level executives, many of whom had made a habit of expressing hostility toward reporters and critics as the department was caught up in the swirl of corruption investigations that has engulfed the Adams administration.
    Maria Cramer, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The frequency and severity of tics also change regularly, and can be in response to factors like stress, anxiety, excitement, fatigue, illness and more.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
  • The structural devices, aesthetic flourishes, and writing tics that Reitman and co-writer Gil Kenan crib — intentionally or otherwise — from Sorkin make the film a fascinating showcase for all of the latter’s screenwriting strengths and weaknesses.
    Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • But the character’s departure was intended as one of many shocking twists to keep the narrative stakes high, not as a signal of any change in the franchise’s commitment to inclusion.
    Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Especially when most of those twists and challenges were not great to begin with.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Drawing from nearly 30 years of life in Montalcino and two decades as a winery CEO, Gray presents a treasure trove of over 300 eclectic entries covering Brunello di Montalcino, town history, Italian culture, and local quirks.
    Jessica Dupuy, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • While sometimes unavoidable updates must be made for structural purposes, honoring historic architecture and quirks where possible is imperative to preserving a building’s character.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near crotchet

Cite this Entry

“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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