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 universe is playing tricks on you this week, Scorpio, especially in relation to career matters, your public persona or situations involving authority.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • Kawasaki has stayed true to its past with stand-up models such as the SX-R 160, and upcoming SX-X 160, which allow riders to do tricks or carve tight turns on these small, powerful craft.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • For almost 10,000 years, people in the Arctic have kept dogs for hunting and sledding, breeding them for desirable traits.
    Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • 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.
    Khloe Quill , Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Sometimes an offense takes on the characteristics of its most distinguishable member - only the Brewers have a lower team average exit speed than the Padres, and only a handful of clubs hit more line drives, as the club mimics the tendencies of Luis Arraez.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Felix Brill, chief investment officer at VP Bank, agrees that the SGD has many characteristics of a modern safe haven, including macroeconomic stability, strong institutions, a large current account surplus, and low political risk.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • After embodying him for the screen and seeing his ways, seeing his mannerisms, seeing his objective within this fictional world, what does Gathegi feel that Mister Terrific needs to hear?
    Jeff Conway, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Lynn's mannerisms really matched up wonderfully with Geena.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California at Berkeley who specializes in digital forensics, said government communication habits need to change.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025
  • After all, everyone has their own unique space, items, routines, and habits.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Dupree has Tourette Syndrome, and her symptoms include vocal tics and profane outbursts as a result of coprolalia.
    William Earl, Variety, 17 June 2025
  • The actors commit fully to every deranged tic they’re saddled with, so even long scenes of them wandering through the street, looking for people to terrorize, are gripping.
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Boulevardier With Cuervo Añejo Bold and bittersweet, this tequila twist on a whiskey classic brings complexity to your cocktail hour.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • And for a sweet Southern twist (because why not?), froth buttermilk with honey to drizzle over biscuits.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • This refreshingly smooth and complex lager is enhanced with a crisp, coastal quirk.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 18 July 2025
  • Newer quirks have vexed Jeffrey Meli, now a clinical professor of finance at NYU’s Stern School of Business, who left the banking group Barclays after twenty years to study how reforms have distributed risk across the financial system.
    Mary Childs, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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