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
  • The oldest trick in the book … foiled by those pesky Bravo cameras.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The next evolution of creative culture isn’t faster turnaround or cooler AI tricks.
    Rochelle Ratkaj, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Incredibly, the filmmaker succeeds in telling a deeply human story without a single human in sight, affirming that humanity – despite its name – isn't only a human trait.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Actor and entrepreneur Ryan Reynolds said the trait enabled him to shield himself against future headwinds in his career.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Published in Aerospace Science and Technology, the study describes that the Accurate prediction of aerodynamic drag characteristics across a wide range of wing-body configurations is crucial in the early design stages of transonic commercial transport aircraft.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Customers see a different look, feel, color, drape and other characteristics of an apparel product.
    Raj Dhiman, Sourcing Journal, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The music video takes things a step further with Joel's dramatic facial expressions and mannerisms that were comparable to Mick's swagger.
    Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • There’s a cultural thing in Jewish people; our mannerisms and the way our parents and grandparents word sentences.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Reports also indicate that despite Clooney’s jokes about it, the actor isn’t planning to make a habit of nights like that one.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Barrymore’s making adjustments to her beauty habits as well.
    Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • When he was hired, Hazimeh told supervisors he had been diagnosed with anxiety, resulting in an uncontrollable nervous tic.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Weirdly brassy dye job aside, Clarke is impressively natural as Alex’s easy smiles and superficial charm give way to flop sweat and nervous tics.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The story ends with a brilliant twist that will surprise and delight kids and adults.
    Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The duo represents two generations that merge traditional Indian flavors with bold ingredients and a contemporary twist, helping to cement New Orleans’ evolving restaurant landscape as a top culinary destination.
    Dontaira Terrell, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Then, in the final moments of Season 3 finale, Ginny recognizes a pregnancy quirk in her mother, who drinks milk straight out of the carton.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
  • People joke about their quirks and idiosyncrasies.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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