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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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

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 Who would dare critique a system that offers everything at your fingertips, catering to every whim and need? —

Kate Crawford, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024 Ours is the world of strongmen, where decisions increasingly turn on the whims of a vanishing few. —

Chang Che, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2024 To continue to succeed, leadership teams must shift their focus to managing the whims and expectations of institutional and retail investors alike. —

Ilona Limonta-Volkova, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 But Bob, who has always gone his own way, refuses to cater to their whims. —

Radhika Seth, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for whim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim

Noun

Trump has long scorned the very notion of domestic extremism, dismissing it as overblown or invented.

Will Carless, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
The Broncos coach scoffed at the notion that night at Empower Field.

Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 10 Jan. 2025