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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
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First, the electrodes and electrolytes are adjusted to handle high temperatures, specifically replacing the volatile liquid electrolyte used in traditional Li batteries.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Taking the long view Many finance leaders remain cautious, viewing bitcoin as too volatile—especially recently—compared to traditional assets.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Instead of impulsive moves, energy goes toward goals that require patience and endurance.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
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That fear can contribute to impulsive decisions, overtrading, and emotional fatigue - outcomes sometimes interpreted as personal failure rather than a response to the way risk is structured.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This combination allows for precise navigation in tight or unpredictable environments.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
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Tinker was brilliant, unpredictable, and slightly unhinged.—
Henry Selick,
IndieWire,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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One man who became obsessed with Garfield after his 1880 speech was the eccentric Charles Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen), and the series follows his attempts to get a job in the administration.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
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Heagerty will play Seph Marigold, Courteney’s eccentric and proud longtime stalker who just might turn out to also be her hero.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
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 company says the system aims to tackle persistent challenges in the hospitality industry, including labor shortages, inconsistent drink quality, and long service times.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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In some cases, CBS News ran images through AI detection tools, which can be inconsistent or inaccurate but can still help flag possibly manipulated content.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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On Monday morning, the Sierra Avalanche Center reported that the recent storm was beginning to wind down, but warned that avalanche risks remained elevated due to strong winds and unstable snow.—
Daniel Hunt
January 5,
Sacbee.com,
6 Jan. 2026
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The last two drafts are starting to come together, specifically the 2023 group, to form a foundation that can keep the need for relying on the unstable free-agent market to a slightly lower level.—
Paul Dehner Jr,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Capricious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capricious. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
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