1
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
capricious weather that was balmy one day and freezing cold the next
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impulsive
prone to sudden illogical changes of mind, ideas, or actions
a capricious woman who changed her mind dozens of times about what color to paint the bathroom
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of capricious
The administration’s unpredictability regarding tariffs and trade policies, which is described as ‘capricious and uncertain bullying,’ poses significant challenges for businesses trying to make long-term workforce investments.
—
Solange Charas, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Lottie works best as an enigma, a cipher for the beliefs and the often capricious actions of the group.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
The server, a capricious machine with a battery of hard drives, occupied a soundproof box in his home studio.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025
Those capricious moves and bold reversals have fueled the anxiety in the diplomatic corps here in Washington even as allies and outcasts alike are trying to make sense of the moment.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for capricious
Solange Charas, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Lottie works best as an enigma, a cipher for the beliefs and the often capricious actions of the group.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
The server, a capricious machine with a battery of hard drives, occupied a soundproof box in his home studio.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025
Those capricious moves and bold reversals have fueled the anxiety in the diplomatic corps here in Washington even as allies and outcasts alike are trying to make sense of the moment.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for capricious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capricious
Adjective
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Core inflation, which excludes more volatile energy, food, alcohol and tobacco prices, rose by 3.4% in the year to March, down slightly from 3.5% in February.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
16 Apr. 2025
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In volatile markets, that can be the difference between burning capital and building advantage.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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What began as an impulsive decision turned into an unforgettable journey, one that gave her the opportunity to experience the U.S. in a way few travelers do.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
13 Apr. 2025
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This often leads to better returns than active trading, which generally incurs higher costs and taxes and stems from impulsive, emotional decision-making, experts said.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Fittingly, given the unpredictable nature of the campaign, who knows what the result or circumstances will be at Tottenham Hotspur on the day Hurzeler’s first season draws to a close?—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
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Probably Not Complicating matters is that Trump’s trade policy is unpredictable.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Each episode is a mini movie, existing in its own world with a unique tone and vibe, featuring an eccentric lot of characters played by a truly gonzo parade of guest stars.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
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The participants, most of whom were women, underwent a two-week control period before completing four weeks of an eccentric exercise routine.—
Kristen Fischer,
Health,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Hers is the kind of face that inspires directors to tight framing — gleaming, as if smoothed from marble, and yet somehow pliant, changeful.—
Jordan Kisner Jack Davison,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2022
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Rigorous, blustery winter; winding sleety spring; hot, moist enervating summer; changeful autumn with its dog-days; these are absolutely unknown.—
San Diego Union-Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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After an inconsistent first half of the season, manager Unai Emery has found a way of tinkering with Villa’s line-up and still winning.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
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Even so, the practice of choosing a papal name remained inconsistent for the next 1,000 years, with most popes using their baptismal names.—
Christopher Watson,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But the reality is that everyone feels the heat when life is unstable—even therapists.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
14 Apr. 2025
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Finally, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act says that schools must enroll and educate students who are with unstable living situations, including migrants, without discrimination.—
Brian Boggs,
The Conversation,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Capricious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capricious. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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