Thesaurus results for WHIM

Q: How is the word 'whim' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of whim are caprice , crotchet , and vagary . While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination. // an odd antique that was bought on a whim

Q: Where would 'caprice' be a reasonable alternative to 'whim'?

While in some cases nearly identical to whim , caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness. // by sheer caprice she quit her job

Q: When can 'crotchet' be used instead of 'whim'?

The words crotchet and whim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference. // a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

Q: When would 'vagary' be a good substitute for 'whim'?

The meanings of vagary and whim largely overlap; however, vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire. // he had been prone to strange vagaries

whim

noun

ˈ(h)wim

Definition of whim next

as in notion

a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action on a whim, we stopped at the roadside stand to get ice cream

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word whim distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of whim are caprice, crotchet, and vagary. While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination.

an odd antique that was bought on a whim

Where would caprice be a reasonable alternative to whim?

While in some cases nearly identical to whim, caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness.

by sheer caprice she quit her job

When can crotchet be used instead of whim?

The words crotchet and whim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference.

a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

When would vagary be a good substitute for whim?

The meanings of vagary and whim largely overlap; however, vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire.

he had been prone to strange vagaries

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 whim Kennedy planted firebombs in three hotels and—on a drunken whim after stopping at a bar—tossed one into P.T. Barnum’s American Museum. —

Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Nov. 2024 Perhaps a trip that doesn’t quite satisfy every whim of yours is better than not getting out at all! —

Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 Nov. 2024 However, with Apple Intelligence generative AI positioned at the heart of iPhones and other devices, the company seems more at risk of being accused of being a little too embedded in the wants and whims of the Chinese state for comfort, for a US company. —

Andrew Williams, WIRED, 26 Oct. 2024 The whims of the housing market affect retailers, too: Home goods stores may not fare well if people aren’t buying, renovating and decorating new homes, Cox said. —

Greg Iacurci,lorie Konish, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for whim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim

Noun

The Italian has remained consistent, dismissing the notion emphatically and highlighting how Liverpool, Arsenal and even out-of-sorts Manchester City stand a better chance.

Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
The notion that sports betting leads to widespread financial hardship is unsupported by evidence.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024