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
  • With a little encouragement, and after a bit of sake, Isa Briones will pull out her party trick at karaoke.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The trick is to hydrate earlier in the day and cut fluids at least an hour before bed, to make sure you’re not woken up by multiple trips to the bathroom.
    Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In truth, a high-quality digital workup synthesizes how traits affect every part of your life.
    Lucy Jones April 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Early analyses have begun to link genes to traits such as drought tolerance and temperature adaptation, but researchers say more rigorous work is needed to confirm those links before they can be used to guide restoration.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Asked about what caused Prospect to declare bankruptcy, Buckley said there are a number of unique characteristics in its situation, including private equity ownership, that affected its funding.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Since many bags share the same characteristics (think a black, medium-sized, hard-shell suitcase, for example), listing any unique attributes will help.
    Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His demeanor, stories and mannerisms calling the game were like Scully.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The starting point for Castro’s character is donning the olive-green uniform, the cap, sporting the beard and developing the mannerisms Cubans know from his multi-hour speeches.
    Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Choose a single habit to reinforce, such as taking a ten-minute stretch break during your longest task.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Simple habits like hydration, fiber intake, coffee, physical activity, and proper posture can help stimulate bowel movements.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition that may cause involuntary movements and vocal tics, sometimes involving outbursts of inappropriate language, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • During the first 30 minutes of the show, Davidson repeatedly issued loud, involuntary vocal tics that were clear to those in the audience and on clips later circulated on social media.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta Located within walking distance of the Peachtree train station, Georgia Aquarium, and Centennial Olympic Park, The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta gives classic luxury a contemporary twist.
    Ellie Nan Storck, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Even in the harshest descriptions of the violence and almost unbelievably cruel twists of fate that Yarris endured (the DNA testing keeps getting accidentally mucked up), Brody lends him a vital indomitable spark.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • No vehicle is perfect, and the Sienna has its quirks.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Thornton firmly believes that each client’s home should be a reflection of their personal style and that their soul, passions, and quirks should be found on the walls and in the furniture throughout the home.
    Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 19 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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