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 buckets are used as a replacement for the standard cardboard Happy Meal box and can double as a candy pail to use for trick-or-treating on Halloween.
    Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Add them to movie-night snacks, candy bowls, or trick-or-treat bags for a fun, not-too-frightening addition to your Halloween spread.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In astrology, each zodiac sign falls under one of four elements — Earth, Fire, Water, or Air — and each carries its own traits.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • But to argue that any of this research adds up to a substantial account of intelligence misunderstands the nature of such human traits and what can be expected from scientific explanations of them.
    Eric Turkheimer, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Multiple board members cited the ability to make the time commitment and experience in K-12 education as desirable characteristics.
    Edward McKinnon, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2025
  • While Cab Franc’s aromas and flavors vary depending on where it is grown, winemakers and wine lovers alike are captivated by its combination of fruity and savory characteristics.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Their mannerisms change a little bit.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Since the video went viral, internet users have praised their adorable bond, as many are obsessed by Maude’s dog-like mannerisms.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The Phillies also exploited a habit that emerged with Ohtani’s return to the mound as a two-way player.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These death-spiral sequences are bluntly shot in and out of focus by cinematographer Doug Emmett to capture a fraying state of mind, if James’ actorly tics and frittering weren’t enough to indicate that.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Martinů was something of a chameleon, despite his telltale tics.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The creator of the famous Honey Deuce shares his must-have gear and signature twist on the recipe.
    Brittany Loggins, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Don’t miss the moment, grabbing these Demarson Odell Hoop Earrings, whose 12-karat gold and rhodium twist around each other in a graceful harmony.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That quirk kept Max Muncy out of the starting lineup for all but one game and largely kept Freddie Freeman in check (3-for-15 in the NLDS).
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Why should a little quirk in the family tree, only just discovered, mean everything has to change?
    Deborah Friedell, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!