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
  • Dom tried his usual tricks, such as leaving the match to get counted out, but Cena stopped him and brought him back to the ring.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
  • And the action ranges from dueling card tricks to the kind of honest-to-God fights that merely serve to remind us that balletic action films really are magic tricks.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • How Design and Color Shape Perception While studies from behavioral psychologists have linked eyewear styles to traits such as intelligence and trustworthiness, certain studies on the shape of frames and the colors that come with them have been linked to certain feelings people have about them.
    Daniel Fusch, Ascend Agency, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The only time he’s truly dazzled, and left fans bewildered, has been in game-winning scenarios, his ineffable trait.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 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
  • But the reality for him, fairly or unfairly, is that if some of the habits persist, the smoke may turn to fire as the season progresses.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • In November 2024, PEOPLE spoke with Bethan Holt, fashion director at the Telegraph, about the princess's habit, which may raise eyebrows with critics.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • According to the Cleveland Clinic, PANDAS, or pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, refers to a group of symptoms — such as tics and obsessive-compulsive behavior — that is thought to affect kids who've had strep infections.
    Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • That shot-on-film aspect lends to the film feeling like a throwback to classic coming-of-age movies, but with a chilling twist.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Frosty Swirls add a twist of strawberry, caramel or brownie batter sauce to the customer’s choice of a vanilla or chocolate Frosty.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 10 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 14 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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