crotchet

Synonym Chooser

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 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 Among his other crotchets was an aversion to bare canvas. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 7 May 2018 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
  • Thus, Last Rites tries a new trick, with the doll growing in size and chasing Judy down a hallway, in a sequence that is strangely reminiscent of Five Nights At Freddy's.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Grandma's favorite time-saving trick is to rely on the trusty the slow-cooker to make sweet, tender onions that require little to no stirring.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Those traits all kind of culminated in me joining the Kansas City Defender around the time of the protests.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Shoddy-Mushroom-8456/Shoddy-Mushroom-8456 Others thought Bella could be a Goldador—a popular cross between a golden retriever and a Labrador retriever, combining the traits of both breeds.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These characteristics make the merger an almost exact replica of that first, groundbreaking detection from 10 years ago, according to Isi.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Our panel said the leading characteristic of this fish is its robust, punchy flavor and emphasized the anchovies should have a balance of salt and umami.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Elvis star Austin Butler took forever to lose Presley’s vocal patter and mannerisms.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Aside from the physical talent and mannerisms, his toughness, energy and command of how to play the position are reasons to be optimistic about his projection.
    Dane Brugler, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Companies that invest in truly knowing their customers and understanding their buying habits will keep those customers.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Martinů was something of a chameleon, despite his telltale tics.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Jones explained that Aramayo would always seek permission from those who had uttered the tic.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The chic, minimalist bow print gives it a preppy twist that looks great on long plane rides, road trips, and everywhere in between.
    Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Colin brings his Hollywood perspective to the NFL stage as he and Ashley talk matchups, momentum, and unpredictable twists.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Even CEOs of major AI companies are starting to admit the pitfalls and quirks of the technology.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Vibe coding restores the joy of programming by allowing developers to focus on architecture, logic and problem-solving, not boilerplate or syntax quirks.
    Paul Kovalenko, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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