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

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 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
  • This chip also drives many of the phone's artificial intelligence features, and allows the Pixel 9a to take advantage of all the same AI camera tricks introduced on the Pixel 9 smartphones in 2024.
    Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Adopting a 12-step routine full of fancy tricks and hacks simply isn’t necessary.
    Angela Haupt, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, many, but not all, social and behavioral traits work this way.
    Dalton Conley, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Their goal is to build a comprehensive database that answers many questions about the behavioral and genetic traits of our friendly felines.
    Manuela López Restrepo, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • These high-rye bourbons represent some of the best in the world, showcasing the bold and spicy characteristics that come with a higher rye content in the mash bill.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The grapes used to make this wine are grown on a high altitude ridge, which causes the grapes to incorporate the mineral characteristics of the area, producing a bold and expressive wine with black fruit aromas and a mineral finish.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But there’s something about that sort of adolescent age between 12 and 14, where people’s mannerisms change, and people’s bodies change, and people’s voices change, and all of those things.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Despite limited footage, Storm worked to nail Mortensen’s specific in-ring mannerisms.
    Lauren Coates, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Parents play a vital role in shaping their children’s sleep habits, which can significantly influence their mental health.
    Lia Miller, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Incorporating small, intentional health habits into daily routines can yield significant physical and emotional benefits.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But often the metaphors seem something of a tic, and a tiresome one.
    Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Additionally, his son, then 5, exhibited motor and verbal tics, and was diagnosed with asthma, after living in the apartment.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The many sweet details — from the smocking at the waist to the decorative front tie — are just the kind of charming twists the day calls for.
    Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The material seems like a natural match for a Disney live-action treatment with a sweet sci-fi twist that should translate into a charming spring smash at the box office.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • She's hosted all sorts of guests, from cartoonists studying cow quirks to TikTok influencers.
    Chrissy Suttles, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Since then, the pup has certainly developed many quirks.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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