as in whims
a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action
the vagaries of a rather eccentric, elderly lady
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Recent Examples of vagaries
That’s your choice to prioritize more dependable success over bragging rights for coaxing a half dead super-choice plant through the vagaries of a yo-yo bit of winter.
—
Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Jan. 2026
Clark pulls these plot tendrils into a cohesive story that delves deep into police investigations and the vagaries of Chicago.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
And all these considerations are preceded by the unpredictable, impossible-to-model vagaries of smoke itself.
—Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
The vagaries of the administration’s plans stood out in contrast with the precision of Maduro’s capture.
—Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026
Suffice it to say, investing in a bag that’s not only affordable but durable enough to withstand all the vagaries of travel is paramount.
—Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025
The rest, only time and the shifting vagaries of the season, will reveal.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
The public ones are subject to the vagaries of Wall Street.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
Given the Rockies’ track record — seven consecutive losing seasons and just five playoff appearances in 33 years — and the challenges and vagaries of playing baseball at a mile above sea level, the job of rebuilding the franchise might seem undesirable for many.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Jan. 2026
Clark pulls these plot tendrils into a cohesive story that delves deep into police investigations and the vagaries of Chicago.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
And all these considerations are preceded by the unpredictable, impossible-to-model vagaries of smoke itself.
—Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
The vagaries of the administration’s plans stood out in contrast with the precision of Maduro’s capture.
—Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026
Suffice it to say, investing in a bag that’s not only affordable but durable enough to withstand all the vagaries of travel is paramount.
—Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025
The rest, only time and the shifting vagaries of the season, will reveal.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
The public ones are subject to the vagaries of Wall Street.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
Given the Rockies’ track record — seven consecutive losing seasons and just five playoff appearances in 33 years — and the challenges and vagaries of playing baseball at a mile above sea level, the job of rebuilding the franchise might seem undesirable for many.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vagaries
whims
Noun
-
Not as freaks to be studied from afar, mimicked, and exploited for other people’s creative whims or amusement, but as complex and whole parts of the world worth exploring and celebrating.—
Sarah Kurchak,
Time,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Beyond immigration, Miller specializes in turning the president’s whims and rantings into government policy.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vagaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vagaries. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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