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 Who lives and who dies depends on a slew of variable factors: Where they are tried, how skillful their attorneys are, the whims of prosecutors, quirks in the law, the dispositions of judges and jurors, and what victims want. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025 The idea that a visa or green card is a privilege is generally true, but that does not mean that a migrant’s legal status is solely based on the whims of those in power, immigration law experts said. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2025 The courts do not exist to accommodate my every whim. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2025 Foreign businesses may increasingly hesitate to invest in a country where legal institutions can be manipulated to suit political whims. Bilal Bilici, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim
Noun
  • Yes, the notion that a good tackle might fall is a big if.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The development reinforces the notion that Nvidia — the driving force of the generative AI boom on Wall Street for the past two years, turning in extraordinary sales, profit and share-price growth during that time — finds itself in an increasingly precarious moment.
    Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • An e-mail publication was invulnerable to the caprices of social-media platforms and their algorithms.
    Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
  • But Cass is not the man to beat his head in bitterness over female caprice.
    Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Drop a comment with your thoughts on the first half of 9-1-1: Contagion below.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But when asked his thoughts on U.S. President Donald Trump’s politics during a press conference after the lineup announcement, Fremaux kept it diplomatic.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Apr. 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 Film Says A Lot Without Saying Much This is a fantasy adventure film that involves mythical creatures.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 18 Apr. 2025
  • But The Wheel of Time is the strangest, most colorful large-scale fantasy on TV.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Vogue’s Favorite Freckle Pens In This Story But freckle pens aren’t just about whimsy or channeling your inner Marilyn Monroe—these clever tools have a practical side, too.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The brass hardware gives it a hint of an edge to balance out the rustic wood, while the scalloped details on the doors adds some whimsy to the mix.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But if that doesn’t take your fancy, there are plenty of other episodes to be excited about too, with Emma Corrin, Issa Rae, Cristin Milioti, Awkwafina, Rashida Jones and Paul Giamatti named as just some of the major actors set to star.
    Alicia Lansom, Refinery29, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The lemon juice and fresh parsley balance out the richness, while the blue cheese adds a creamy contrast that makes each bite feel a little fancy (without too much effort).
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whim. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on whim

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!