Synonym Chooser

How is the word caprice distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of caprice are crotchet, vagary, and whim. While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness.

by sheer caprice she quit her job

When could crotchet be used to replace caprice?

In some situations, the words crotchet and caprice are roughly equivalent. However, crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference.

a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

Where would vagary be a reasonable alternative to caprice?

The words vagary and caprice can be used in similar contexts, but vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire.

he had been prone to strange vagaries

When can whim be used instead of caprice?

The synonyms whim and caprice are sometimes interchangeable, but whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination.

an odd antique that was bought on a whim

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 caprice 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 But all of this is merely the set-up for the major mishap that happens — a kind of cosmic caprice. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025 The whims and caprices of a volatile administration have given most of them a deep sense of insecurity. Marquis William Childs, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for caprice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caprice
whim
Noun
  • Analysts who follow Walgreens see the move to private ownership as another plus because the company and a stock price attached to public ownership will no longer be subject to the whims of Wall Street.
    Bruce Japsen, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • This arguably demonstrates why the central bank is federally mandated to be independent, so that a major lever of the economy can be used for the long-term benefit of businesses and consumers as opposed to the whims of the Oval Office.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Caprice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caprice. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on caprice

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