on a whim

idiom

: because of a sudden decision
He quit his job on a whim.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web While tycoons imagine a future of taxiing their fellow fat cats to space on a whim, these billionaire-plaything rockets keep exploding. Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 27 May 2023 Abortions that late in pregnancy are not allowed on a whim. Politifact Staff Writer, Dallas News, 11 May 2023 Fitted with fold-down side platforms, the beach club can be expanded on a whim and has a cascading infinity pool at the center. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2022 Remember when Mendes just decided to get a tattoo on a whim because a fan suggested it? Andrea Wurzburger, Peoplemag, 8 Aug. 2022 Agents point out that the ultra-rich often buy on a whim, paying top dollar, and might tire of their new acquisitions just as quickly. Hadley Meares, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 June 2022 Many have bought headphones or music downloads, gas to drive places on a whim or, like Lee, fast food. Patrick O'donnell, The Indianapolis Star, 9 May 2023 The new system means the Roadrunners can identify and develop an unheralded recruit like Franklin into an elite, game-breaking wideout, and nothing stops a bigger school like Oregon or Texas A&M from coming along and plucking him away on a whim. Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 2 May 2023 There are smaller systems and financing options, but buying solar panels is the equivalent of buying another car—not a purchase most people can make on a whim. Kate Mcgregor, House Beautiful, 1 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'on a whim.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near on a whim

Cite this Entry

“On a whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20a%20whim. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

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