Definition of whimnext

Synonym Chooser

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

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 whim Essentially, schools could not cut certain sports on a whim for the sake of revenue. Trey Wallace, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026 Experiment with different colors to suit your whims. Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2026 Will America engage in expensive political wars around the globe at the whim of the country’s leader? Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 In fact, the right-wing media — which is closely tied to the whims of the White House — has been targeting Siebel Newsom for months. Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for whim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim
Noun
  • Fiorio thinks there’s room there for a new entry, but that the notion of a sedan itself might have to evolve a bit with the times.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 18 June 2026
  • On the other hand, this notion of happiness did lead me to victory.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • But statistics fail to convey the humanity of yard sales—the caprice, whimsy, and high spirits, as well as the cunning, weirdness, and heartbreak, that charge and thicken the air when two people agree to perform an off-the-books monetary transaction.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
  • One needed Mother Nature to bestow upon brewers the right temperatures for making beer, and in the days before refrigeration and even thermometers, that meant that brewing was largely dictated by the caprices of the seasons.
    Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The hoops expert shared that and other pre-draft thoughts during a Thursday conference call with media.
    Gary Bedore June 18, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
  • The stylistic eccentricities have been dialed back, including the use of old Hollywood film clips to reflect the action and possibly the thoughts of its main character, a cinephile from space, who is both practicing and enacting the work of a private detective.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • This is especially true for small businesses, which are particularly vulnerable to the vagaries of California’s most hostile business environment in the nation.
    Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 13 June 2026
  • That makes the policy initiative vulnerable to the vagaries of politics or local budgeting, critics say.
    Topher Sanders, ProPublica, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Bed skirts can also boast colors, creating a fun opportunity to add a touch of whimsy.
    Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 14 June 2026
  • Both collections used the butterfly motif to invoke fantasy and whimsy—feelings that Elle Gerstein, a nail artist in New York City, says people are looking for in nail art today.
    Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • For those who prefer fiction to nonfiction, mysteries edge out science fiction and fantasy as the most popular genre overall, and they are favored by both women and readers who read the most books per year (though men are more likely to pick up sci-fi and fantasy).
    Fred Backus, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • Clarke played fantasy football for years and casually bet on offshore sportsbooks.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • London quite fancies using alignment to secure market access in sectors beyond those currently under negotiation.
    Anand Menon, Time, 13 June 2026
  • Paper was scarce during the war, so the boy would roust himself out of bed early and intercept the delivery of newspapers and magazines, going at their blank margins with his pencil, drawing figures, cartoons, landscapes, whatever struck his fancy.
    Mark Rozzo, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • This is for Tyler Kolek’s best Jalen Brunson impression; for the Spurs intel provided by Jeremy Sochan.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026
  • Roach also shared his impressions of Anthony following the trial.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whim. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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