CROTCHET Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'crotchet' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of crotchet are caprice , vagary , and whim . While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference. // a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

Q: When would 'caprice' be a good substitute for 'crotchet'?

The words caprice and crotchet are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness. // by sheer caprice she quit her job

Q: When is 'vagary' a more appropriate choice than 'crotchet'?

In some situations, the words vagary and crotchet are roughly equivalent. However, vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire. // he had been prone to strange vagaries

Q: Where would 'whim' be a reasonable alternative to 'crotchet'?

While the synonyms whim and crotchet are close in meaning, whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination. // an odd antique that was bought on a whim

crotchet

noun

ˈkrä-chət

Definition of crotchet

as in trick

an odd or peculiar habit her one crotchet is a fondness for eating cookies while soaking in the tub

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How is the word crotchet distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of crotchet are caprice, vagary, and whim. While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference.

a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

When would caprice be a good substitute for crotchet?

The words caprice and crotchet are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness.

by sheer caprice she quit her job

When is vagary a more appropriate choice than crotchet?

In some situations, the words vagary and crotchet are roughly equivalent. However, vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire.

he had been prone to strange vagaries

Where would whim be a reasonable alternative to crotchet?

While the synonyms whim and crotchet are close in meaning, whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination.

an odd antique that was bought on a whim

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 crotchet Eccentricities, crotchets, and hobbyhorses are such interesting intellectual drivers. — Clare Bucknell, The New York Review of Books, 27 June 2026 Think outside the box All book collectors develop distinctive crotchets. — Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024 The origins of brackets — once referred to as crotchets, crooks, or hooks — are a mystery. — Sarah Fay, Longreads, 17 Mar. 2020 Maxine attended to his every whim and crotchet, never lost faith in his brilliance or potential, and delighted in surrounding him with exactly the sort of frivolous company his wife abhorred. — Sadie Stein, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crotchet

Noun

The trick is to widen your view deliberately, one angle at a time, because each new angle surfaces buyers the last one missed.

— Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Now, as heat waves wash over cities from London to Palm Springs, people are embracing this tried-and-true trick with the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad.

— Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026

Definition of trick

Noun

Still, the pieces of ceiling trim dedicated to the pillars of courage and trust remained missing, a nod perhaps to the traits most easily lost when disaster strikes – and most needed to rebuild.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.

— Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of trait

Noun

The company specializes in flight controls engineering, simulation, and aircraft systems that help engineers validate handling characteristics before flight testing begins.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
Some characteristics can, however, be defined as on the whole necessary for any beach and any mood.

— Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of characteristic

Noun

While Minetree delivers a charming performance, capturing Elle's bubbly optimism and mannerisms, the show largely fails to add meaningful depth and truly enrich one of pop culture's most enduring heroines.

— Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Instead, Nowell roots the band’s sound in the mid-’90s and keeps his vocal mannerisms as close to Bradley’s as possible.

— Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026

Definition of mannerism

Noun

With granny shorts, these soft loafers create a relaxed put still put-together look that’s ideal for those who love a classic vibe with a trendy twist.

— René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 3 July 2026
And in a novel twist, there will be a ball drop in New York City’s Times Square at midnight to usher in the July Fourth holiday with much the same revelry that is typically reserved for New Year’s Eve.

— Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of twist

Noun

Thorpe’s characters are so specific, their balance of prickliness and kindness and quirk so delicate, that one wrong casting choice could ruin the whole viewing experience.

— Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
Name Recall This is one of those areas where forgetfulness quickly goes from being a charming quirk to potentially offensive—an especially perilous hazard for a CEO.

— Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of quirk

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“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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