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 detention centers, possibly re-education centers, operated in total secrecy for capricious punishments.
—
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2026
No warrant, no charges, just capricious face-breaking violence.
—Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
In a city already numb to Trump’s capricious moves, this one still left everyone doing a double-take.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
The judge also said the administration’s decision had been arbitrary and capricious, given its failure to consider Vineyard Wind’s interest in having the project continue on its schedule to a March completion.
—Mark Chediak, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for capricious
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2026
No warrant, no charges, just capricious face-breaking violence.
—Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
In a city already numb to Trump’s capricious moves, this one still left everyone doing a double-take.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
The judge also said the administration’s decision had been arbitrary and capricious, given its failure to consider Vineyard Wind’s interest in having the project continue on its schedule to a March completion.
—Mark Chediak, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for capricious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capricious
Adjective
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Ultraviolet light from its host star triggers the creation of sulfur dioxide in the upper atmosphere, and a massive sub-surface magma ocean acts as a buffer, storing and releasing volatile gases over billions of years.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Mar. 2026
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The volatile crude oil prices causing retail gasoline prices to swing up sharply have had the same effect on the price of jet fuel.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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That decline often leads to impulsive or overly cautious actions.—
Fazila Shahid,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
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Just be wise about your investments — avoid impulsive window shopping in favor of researching quality items that increase your quality of life.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Strengthening the layers Epoch 2 solves the problem of unpredictable missile paths by using high-tech heat sensors and laser communication.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Mar. 2026
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Revenue hinges on capital gains from investments, bonuses to executives and windfalls from new stock offerings, all of which are grossly unpredictable.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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There's macho panache and white-knuckle action sequences aplenty as Pitt's eccentric Formula 1 veteran plays reluctant mentor to a hotshot rookie (Damson Idris).—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 2026
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The Zetter Clerkenwell The Zetter Clerkenwell feels like staying at an eccentric aunt’s quintessentially London townhouse.—
Zoey Goto,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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The Horned Frogs are undersized at guard and in the frontcourt, their offense can often be inconsistent with its ability to shoot from outside, and the rotation really goes only about seven deep.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Mar. 2026
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But immigration lawyers say the Department of Homeland Security’s adherence to that limit has been wildly inconsistent over the past year.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This is why the price may soon surpass a new record, even with other market conditions unstable.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
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This novel explores the unique bond that siblings in unstable families can form, and is especially shrewd on how sisters define themselves in negative space.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Capricious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capricious. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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