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 Andrew Kelly | Reuters The stock market bounce last week showed once again just how dependent Wall Street has become on the whims of the White House. Kevin Stankiewicz,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2025 However, with two trading sessions left, including today, the index was tracking lower for the month on the whims of Washington. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025 Instead of relying on the commercial whims of foreign markets, Carey reasoned that tariffs would direct domestic agriculture to feed industrial workers and supply factories with raw materials. Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025 The novel follows Fred Scully (Pitt), who after traveling through Europe for two years, wind up in Ireland with his wife and daughter, and on a mystical whim of Jennifer’s, buy an old farmhouse which stands in the shadow of a castle. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim
Noun
  • After Damir donates his sperm for Sara’s solo parenting journey, the two best friends travel from Sweden to his family’s wedding in Croatia, where the strain on their secret arrangement challenges their friendship and forces them to reassess their own notions on family.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 May 2025
  • The notion that the island prison is truly escape-proof is a key part of President Donald Trump’s proposal to reopen it more than 60 years after the Bureau of Prisons closed it for being too expensive to operate.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Fear of political caprice masquerading as strategy, of a trade war metastasizing into financial contagion, and of a world where traditional safe havens—currencies, institutions, alliances—no longer offer much safety at all.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Richard Avedon’s accompanying portrait discards any notion of Cat Power’s caprice; there’s no bewilderment or confusion on display, no underlying contradictions.
    Carrie Brownstein, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Craig writes the thoughts of the characters in the script.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • Distrust of Alliances The concept of all under heaven (tianxia) in Chinese imperial thought often prioritized unilateral power.
    Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 4 May 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
  • One of this year’s most unique and original K-dramas is Heavenly Ever After, a quirky romantic fantasy from Studio Phoenix and SLL that vividly imagines life after death.
    Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Starring Fionn Whitehead, Will Poulter and Craig Parkinson, the interactive choose-your-own-adventure tale follows young programmer Stefan (Whitehead), who is adapting a fantasy gamebook into a video game in 1984.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • With Relaxed Suiting and an Eye-Catching Bag A baby blue button up (and an avocado bag) add a touch of whimsy to a fitted suit.
    Christina Holevas, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Crane & Canopy French Blue Wavelet Embroidered Sheet Set $249 Crane & Canopy Select these sheets for a touch of whimsy in your bedroom.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While the flashy, often unusual Alienware design won’t be for everyone, the HP Omen Max's more low-key appearance may tickle your fancy.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 6 May 2025
  • Benedictine Sandwiches If a heavy Hot Browns isn’t your jam, especially on a warm spring day, the Derby has another traditional sandwich that may better suit your fancy.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whim. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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