Thesaurus results for VAGARY

Q: How is the word 'vagary' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of vagary are caprice , crotchet , and whim . While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire. // he had been prone to strange vagaries

Q: When could 'caprice' be used to replace 'vagary'?

While in some cases nearly identical to vagary , caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness. // by sheer caprice she quit her job

Q: When can 'crotchet' be used instead of 'vagary'?

The words crotchet and vagary can be used in similar contexts, but crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference. // a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

Q: Where would 'whim' be a reasonable alternative to 'vagary'?

While the synonyms whim and vagary are close in meaning, whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination. // an odd antique that was bought on a whim

vagary

noun

ˈvā-gə-rē

Definition of vagary next

as in whim

a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action the vagaries of a rather eccentric, elderly lady

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word vagary distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of vagary are caprice, crotchet, and whim. While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire.

he had been prone to strange vagaries

When could caprice be used to replace vagary?

While in some cases nearly identical to vagary, caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness.

by sheer caprice she quit her job

When can crotchet be used instead of vagary?

The words crotchet and vagary can be used in similar contexts, but crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference.

a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

Where would whim be a reasonable alternative to vagary?

While the synonyms whim and vagary 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

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Recent Examples of vagary 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 Which means the vagaries of late October are pretty familiar for this franchise and the bulk of these players. —

Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vagary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vagary

whim

Noun

But it may also be remembered as the moment where Europe broke away from the United States, exasperated by a world run solely by hard American power at the whims of an ever imperial presidency.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, the state is seeing the fallout from the Legislature’s prior indulgence of the governor’s political whims.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026