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
But in Train Dreams, that stillness feels observational, taking in a world full of senseless injustice and capricious fate set amid the stunning beauty of the western states.
—
Joe Reid, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025
His continued snubbing is a reflection of the capricious dynamics that so often dictate where the trophy ends up.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Moreover, Burroughs further held that the administration’s actions were arbitrary and capricious, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
—Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
To me, more pragmatism means moving away from the corrupt, capricious policies of the current administration, such as crony capitalism that imposes bogus tariffs on free trade, punishing leaders and countries the president dislikes while favoring those who flatter him.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for capricious
Joe Reid, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025
His continued snubbing is a reflection of the capricious dynamics that so often dictate where the trophy ends up.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Moreover, Burroughs further held that the administration’s actions were arbitrary and capricious, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
—Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
To me, more pragmatism means moving away from the corrupt, capricious policies of the current administration, such as crony capitalism that imposes bogus tariffs on free trade, punishing leaders and countries the president dislikes while favoring those who flatter him.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for capricious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capricious
Adjective
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This potential hindrance to growth adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile policy outlook.—
John Melloy,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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The remnants of a tropical storm that brought steamy rain and a volatile atmosphere to the Bay Area last week have faded, according to the National Weather Service.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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An impulsive move can backfire.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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Woolf said that those with the condition may also be given antidepressants to treat low mood or mood stabilizers to manage manic symptoms, which can include elevated mood, impulsive behavior and sleep difficulties.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Prepare for mood swings as the moon clashes with unpredictable Uranus.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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The Roval is among the most unpredictable races on the NASCAR calendar.—
Shane Connuck
October 3,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Cumming plays Gustav Fletching, the eccentric ringmaster of the Fletching and Moondrop Traveling Carnival of Curiosities, which existing fans know plays a huge role kickstarting the narrative of the campaign two.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
1 Oct. 2025
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Schiaparelli was founded in Paris in 1927 by Elsa Schiaparelli and became synonymous with eccentric and surreal designs.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 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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One of the biggest targets of Collier’s ire was perceived inconsistent officiating in the WNBA.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
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On top of that, the Dodgers bullpen has been between inconsistent and awful for much of the season.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Turnover among school leaders remains unstable, however.—
Kayla Huynh,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
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The jump in homeless youth represents a rising number of Cincinnati families who face unstable housing situations, said Rico Blackman, director of organizing at the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition.—
Elizabeth B. Kim,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Capricious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capricious. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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