crotchet

Definition of crotchetnext

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
  • Boutique gems, new offers win the day Elevated VIP-style vacays with truffles, oysters and bubbly are attainable with some tips and tricks.
    Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Sora Shirai captured victory after maintaining his lead through the best trick section, while teammates Kairi Netsuke and Toa Sasaki climbed from the bottom of the leaderboard with clutch final tricks to complete a Japanese podium sweep.
    Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • 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, 28 June 2026
  • Caretakers manage breeding programs to preserve their distinctive traits, including their long horns and rich brown coloring, a shade associated with royalty, maturity and stability.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Continuous review President reviews, according to CSU policy, allow the CSU board of trustees to understand the unique characteristics of each campus, assess their leadership and further the school’s progress.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
  • The game changer was a move to fermentation in stainless-steel tanks or neutral wood barrels, which imparted fewer oak characteristics to the wines.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • His behavior, his voice, his accent, his physical mannerisms, everything was so particular to him, but also to New York at a certain time, and in a certain kind of crowd.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Why the at-home mani pedi trend is growing Three forces are driving the shift, including DIY beauty habits that stuck after the pandemic, the rising price of salon services and a steady stream of social tutorials that make at-home nails feel achievable.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
  • Streamline commitments and adjust one habit to fit what is realistic.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • There are linguistic tics and habits that give away formerly Amish people immediately.
    Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026
  • Physical tics can be as subtle as eye blinking, or involve jerking the arms, or stretching the neck.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • In a strange twist, the potential buyer reportedly smelled a rat and reached out to someone with the company, to make sure the machinery hadn’t been stolen.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • Then again, and again, stopping each time to adjust for a beat, a movement, the flow of actors in the room, a twist of a hand, an arm thrown that way, not this way.
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • What’s to come The goal is to preserve all the building’s quirks, even if they can’t be explained.
    Mark Price Updated June 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026
  • In a quirk of legislative drafting, SIJ had been classified as a type of employment visa and capped at around ten thousand per year.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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