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
  • Many of his later programs have been capped by a coda in which the tricks of the trade are laid bare—no trick being more vital than that of extreme patience, with camera operators waiting days, or even weeks, for the right cub, or pup, or fledgling, or froglet, to show up.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • There is not a whole lot to chuckle about these days, and her column does the trick for me every week.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • What coaches do is acquire and elevate the players who have the cultural traits the team needs.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
  • Music, both as one character’s defining trait and as a story-telling device — snippets of pop tunes across decades swiftly drive time shifts in the play’s first two acts — is a major aspect.
    Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • That realization has led some investors to examine assets with different characteristics.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • While acknowledging that antisemites may have good characteristics—a loving husband, a generous and conscientious citizen—Sartre claimed that their hatred ultimately defines them.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Decadent art, with its mannerism, also its enthusiasm for skulls, swords, strippers, and other Hot Topic motifs, is for some art historians an embarrassing cul-de-sac best passed over in favor of a narrative of formal progress leading inevitably to abstraction.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Meta staffers could potentially converse with and get feedback from the virtual double trained on his mannerisms, tone, public statements, and sentiments about the company’s strategy.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Why are Americans waiting for the federal government to change local and regional habits to meet the challenges of climate change?
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
  • Reddit users in Millennial communities have framed the moment as a return to childhood and pre-digital habits, talking less about productivity and more about joy.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Eilish shares reaction to her tics Eilish was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at age 11.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 6 May 2026
  • Y’know, that certain vocal style or guitar tone or even decade-specific production tic that transports us like the meal at the end of Ratatouille to joyous remembrances of times past.
    Brendan Hay, SPIN, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Local beers and thoughtful twists on classic cocktails like the Rum Fashioned.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
  • New twists in case Among their many requests, Jones’ legal team is asking the court to dismiss the murder charge.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • The most compelling onscreen friendships present the relationship as a kind of osmosis, one in which two companions affectionately absorb each other’s qualities and quirks over time.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 May 2026
  • Patterned wallpapers and rattan chandeliers punch up the spaces and give it some quirk.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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