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
  • This isn't the first time the former Sports Illustrated model has shared parenting tips and tricks.
    Clare Fisher, People.com, 23 June 2025
  • The magic trick is that Sunny gradually learned how to distinguish its POV from the characters’, showing empathy not only for the Gang’s victims, but also the Gang itself.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The Dalmatian Club of America, for example, spent decades urging breeders to euthanize deaf puppies so the trait wouldn’t spread.
    Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
  • Additionally, the study also found a correlation between breathing traits and a person’s mental health.
    Jay Kakade June 22, New Atlas, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • This means the fruit from the seedling will closely resemble that of the parent plant in flavor and other characteristics.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • Stringer and Bian measured different parts of the skulls, noting the overall skull length, the length of the rows of teeth, and other characteristics.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Thames was a great choice for Hiccup, capturing the original character’s mannerisms and voice perfectly, though perhaps – as my daughter noted – with a little less squeakiness.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Finding the character’s mannerisms was another central study.
    Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Give my alter ego a name, describe their key characteristics, daily habits, and decision-making style.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Other Republicans talk to Trump too, including Hawley — who then made a habit of informing Washington that Trump wants a softer touch on Medicaid.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The major difference is that tics are uncontrollable, while stimming is a self-soothing behavior that people often have more control over.3 What Causes Tics?
    Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 26 June 2025
  • This writing tic has traditionally been associated with bad high-school level essays.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • However, in a very surprising twist, some tomatoes on the Galapagos islands are inching back down the ladder.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 June 2025
  • For a fun twist, try switching out the regular crackers for a garlic or vegetable-flavored variety.
    Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • However, a lot of newer research, especially in behavioral economics, points to how our cognitive quirks and limitations may prevent us from doing what's in our best interests.
    Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 26 June 2025
  • The people who truly understand your AI systems—their quirks, limitations, and decision-making processes—become institutionally irreplaceable in unprecedented ways.
    Andrew Mawson, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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