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 administration’s unpredictability regarding tariffs and trade policies, which is described as ‘capricious and uncertain bullying,’ poses significant challenges for businesses trying to make long-term workforce investments.
—
Solange Charas, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Lottie works best as an enigma, a cipher for the beliefs and the often capricious actions of the group.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
The server, a capricious machine with a battery of hard drives, occupied a soundproof box in his home studio.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025
Those capricious moves and bold reversals have fueled the anxiety in the diplomatic corps here in Washington even as allies and outcasts alike are trying to make sense of the moment.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for capricious
Solange Charas, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Lottie works best as an enigma, a cipher for the beliefs and the often capricious actions of the group.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
The server, a capricious machine with a battery of hard drives, occupied a soundproof box in his home studio.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025
Those capricious moves and bold reversals have fueled the anxiety in the diplomatic corps here in Washington even as allies and outcasts alike are trying to make sense of the moment.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for capricious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capricious
Adjective
-
Over the past four years, SOFI's annual returns have been considerably more volatile than the S&P 500, with returns of 27% in 2021, -71% in 2022, 116% in 2023, and 55% in 2024.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Income tax is more volatile and susceptible to the ups and downs within the economy, Greller said.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Research shows that suicide tends to be a fairly impulsive act during short-term crises.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Children diagnosed with the condition are more likely to have impulsive behavior, and chemotherapy can stunt brain development, Humenik said.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The source said Republicans view Powell as an important pillar of stability in the U.S. economy amid Trump’s unpredictable tariff war against foreign trading partners, including allies such as Canada, Japan, South Korean and Taiwan.—
Alexander Bolton,
The Hill,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Spring temps can be unpredictable, so don’t forget to add on a pashmina-style shawl and some statement earrings.—
Jené Luciani Sena,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Each episode is a mini movie, existing in its own world with a unique tone and vibe, featuring an eccentric lot of characters played by a truly gonzo parade of guest stars.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The participants, most of whom were women, underwent a two-week control period before completing four weeks of an eccentric exercise routine.—
Kristen Fischer,
Health,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
After an inconsistent first half of the season, manager Unai Emery has found a way of tinkering with Villa’s line-up and still winning.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Even so, the practice of choosing a papal name remained inconsistent for the next 1,000 years, with most popes using their baptismal names.—
Christopher Watson,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Remember: Antioxidants can slow aging and prevent skin damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.—
Danielle Jackson,
Glamour,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Rigid robots are prone to damage in unstable, cramped environments and are expensive to repair.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Capricious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capricious. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share