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 And its precise size will depend entirely on the whims of whoever makes your coffee machine. Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025 Already, several states, including Rhode Island, have enacted reforms designed to strike a balance—to make officers more responsive to community complaints without leaving them at the whims of their superiors in uniform. Marc J. Dunkelman, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025 At a time when viewers can pick and choose content at a whim, sports remains one of the few formats extant that can draw the large simultaneous audiences that advertisers crave. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025 The point is, NASA's crew rotations aboard the space station generally exist outside the whims of political influence. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim
Noun
  • The implementation was much delayed due to a whole slew of factors, from states opposing the very notion to later delays caused by the pandemic to the usual governmental slowness.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
  • In a sworn legal declaration, Flick claimed that DOGE officials arrived at SSA with preconceived notions of widespread fraud, despite no evidence to support such claims.
    Dan Cody, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But Cass is not the man to beat his head in bitterness over female caprice.
    Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
  • But all of this is merely the set-up for the major mishap that happens — a kind of cosmic caprice.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • National college basketball writers have shared their thoughts about the Jayhawks and their chances against the Razorbacks and in the tournament.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Especially now, as inflation soars and tariffs loom and the trend cycle is more aggressive than ever, the thought of dropping upwards of $3,000 on a handbag might feel outré.
    Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Vape shops have spread across the American retail landscape with a bizarre swiftness, seemingly unbeholden to the same vagaries of inflation, customer demand, and local real estate that bind every other kind of storefront small business in the country.
    Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 22 June 2023
  • Third, repeaters should prove capable of swapping this data between nodes in a network in a predictable way and not one too subject to the vagaries of chance.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 13 June 2023
Noun
  • The fantasy series, based on the novels by Robert Jordan, raises new stakes in its third season for Our Heroes.
    Leigh Butler, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Its packaging, a jewel-like blue bottle engraved with a golden lotus, looks like it was plucked from a fantasy apothecary in the night sky.
    Jenny Berg, Allure, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Grab a few of the brand’s vibrant Flower Plates in Turquoise (the only hue that’s currently in stock), whose ridged, upward-sloping edges will add many tablespoons of whimsy to all upcoming meals.
    Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Manifesting with Miniatures Dream big, except smaller—miniature crafts have surged as a way for people to tap into their inner whimsy and creativity.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Blackall’s full-color illustrations appear on every spread, occasionally taking over storytelling duties when the sisters embark on wordless flights of fancy.
    Travis Jonker, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025
  • This reminds us of another famous strip that once caught his fancy: Atlantic City, New Jersey.
    Herald readers, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whim. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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