Definition of whimnext

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 Mubi could use the positive PR that would come with saving a movie from a darling director after it has been cast aside at the whims of tech oligarchs. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2026 Ojai has long been home to Theosophists, avant-gardists, potters and naturalists joining other outsiders and mystics with a whim for wonder. Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026 Her whims are that of anyone her age, but her life is not. José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 23 June 2026 Covers albums often feel like vanity projects or throat-clearing whims. David Harris, SPIN, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for whim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim
Noun
  • While Taylor Swift often gets credit for popularizing the notion of era reinventions, artists have played with their visuals to communicate and market new album cycles for decades — just look at Beyoncé, Madonna, David Bowie and The Beatles.
    Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • New research debunks the notion that the gender gap is primarily due to women’s lack of AI skills, interest or access.
    Michelle Travis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • But statistics fail to convey the humanity of yard sales—the caprice, whimsy, and high spirits, as well as the cunning, weirdness, and heartbreak, that charge and thicken the air when two people agree to perform an off-the-books monetary transaction.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
  • One needed Mother Nature to bestow upon brewers the right temperatures for making beer, and in the days before refrigeration and even thermometers, that meant that brewing was largely dictated by the caprices of the seasons.
    Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Denver’s brass was asked about those comments on Wednesday, and Wallace responded by sharing some thoughts on the team’s internal and external goals.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
  • And this led me to think about sharing thoughts about the final dance.
    Nancy K. Schlossberg, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Wealth buys choice, leverage, and a cushion for the vagaries of a market economy.
    Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • This is especially true for small businesses, which are particularly vulnerable to the vagaries of California’s most hostile business environment in the nation.
    Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • There’s truly no generational divide, especially in its latest era of styles, which includes sleek, versatile options with a touch of Kate Spade’s signature whimsy.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 27 June 2026
  • These whimsical Garden Collection Solar Flower Lights add a touch of whimsy and give a soft glow to dark spaces.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Disney+ has handed a pilot order to Aquamarine, based on the 2006 teen fantasy romantic comedy starring Emma Roberts.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 June 2026
  • Two years ago, Brown appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show to discuss doing her own stunts on the fantasy-action film Damsel.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • London quite fancies using alignment to secure market access in sectors beyond those currently under negotiation.
    Anand Menon, Time, 13 June 2026
  • Paper was scarce during the war, so the boy would roust himself out of bed early and intercept the delivery of newspapers and magazines, going at their blank margins with his pencil, drawing figures, cartoons, landscapes, whatever struck his fancy.
    Mark Rozzo, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Reynolds leaves the strong impression that slavery flourished in the South instead of the North simply because southern religion and ideology depended on mastery rather than because southern topography and climate also favored the plantation system.
    James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
  • As co-hosts, the USMNT needed to make a positive impression on this World Cup, and needed to play in a way that connected with the American public at large.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whim. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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