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 Venus shares its dreams and whims with Neptune retrograde in Pisces on 15th October. —

Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 23 Sep. 2024 Content creators’ careers, because they’re tied to online metrics and the fickle whims of the internet, are volatile. —

Taylor Lorenz, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Oct. 2024 This role is essential for ensuring that change initiatives are not based on whims or untested ideas but are instead rooted in a deep understanding of organizational dynamics. —

Thomas Lim, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 In a place where tourists come and go, but the residents who cater to their whims can feel stuck in purgatory, Katerina and Yannis aren’t in for a vacation when they’re obliged to stick around for an autopsy after a tragic car crash to identify a body that’s suggested to be their daughter. —

Stephen Saito, Variety, 29 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for whim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim

Noun

Beyond fintech sectors, what has also cooled is the notion of blitzscaling fintechs.

Alex Lazarow, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
But Grove’s presence is still felt throughout the season, as the government uses his death as a way to reinforce the notion of Iran as the enemy, accusing them of an actor of terror that killed Grove and therefore sowing fear in the British population.

Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 4 Nov. 2024