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
Relevance
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
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 capricious
The unions have asked the court to declare that both OMB and OPM have exceeded their statutory authority and acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner, and to invalidate any actions that may come from the memos and guidance issued.
—
Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
First, few outdoor sports are as capricious in terms of conditions as surfing.
—Outside Online, 1 Oct. 2025
Aldo has found the immigration system capricious and confusing.
—Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Cape Sweater Massimo Dutti Asymmetric Knit Cape A single afternoon in Milan can cycle through sunshine and rain at the drop of a hat; locals equip themselves for the capricious weather by dressing in layers.
—Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for capricious
Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
First, few outdoor sports are as capricious in terms of conditions as surfing.
—Outside Online, 1 Oct. 2025
Aldo has found the immigration system capricious and confusing.
—Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Cape Sweater Massimo Dutti Asymmetric Knit Cape A single afternoon in Milan can cycle through sunshine and rain at the drop of a hat; locals equip themselves for the capricious weather by dressing in layers.
—Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for capricious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capricious
Adjective
-
Key's Jerry is a disruption through and through, knocking everything just a little off-kilter with each volatile appearance.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Paul Weller is still a godlike figure, but the Jam themselves had a really distinct chemistry and sounded very volatile onstage and are among the great punk groups.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Your impulsive actions might disrupt something.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
13 Jan. 2026
-
While genuinely intrigued by Lucy, his inconsistency and impulsive reactions complicate their relationship, which was already competing with the lingering shadow of Stephen.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Austin immigration advocates have argued that similar changes in Austin, and a lack of clarification from the police department on its policy, sends a message that contact with officers — even as a victim or witness — carries unpredictable risks for immigrant families.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The occurrence of abdominal pain is often unpredictable and can change over time.—
Pamela Assid Woughter,
Verywell Health,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
An eccentric wood and steel door hints at the residence’s remarkable forms.—
Edward Keegan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Walking into the hotel, you’re immediately greeted by eccentric art pieces, from sculptures to paintings and photographs, as well as the hotel’s staple mascot, the four-foot red penguin sculpted from recycled plastic.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
Trump administration officials have suggested that Powell either lied about changes to the building or altered plans in ways that are inconsistent with those approved by planning commissions.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Drinkers sometimes complained that wines tasted weird and crazy, not just wild, and inconsistent from bottle to bottle.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This technique, sometimes called ski cutting, involves traversing across a slope to try and get unstable snow to slide down.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Antioxidants are compounds found in certain foods that help protect your cells from damage and disease caused by the build-up of unstable molecules called free radicals.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Capricious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capricious. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
