Synonym Chooser

How is the word whim distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of whim are caprice, crotchet, and vagary. While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination.

an odd antique that was bought on a whim

Where would caprice be a reasonable alternative to whim?

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

by sheer caprice she quit her job

When can crotchet be used instead of whim?

The words crotchet and whim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference.

a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

When would vagary be a good substitute for whim?

The meanings of vagary and whim largely overlap; however, vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire.

he had been prone to strange vagaries

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 whim Aside from anything else, supporter sentiment can be overwhelming; far more difficult to head off than the whims of journalists. Phil Hay, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 If the Supreme Court officially makes the chief executive a unitary executive, the advancement of the public good may depend on little more than the whims of the president, a state of affairs normally more characteristic of dictatorship than democracy. Graham G. Dodds, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025 Reality may intrude for the Manifesto in the form of an all-electric powertrain, or an economic downturn, or simply the whims of those in Sant’Agata Bolognese who make the call. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2025 One Battle also exemplifies where Hall’s career has taken her, which is to say across genres, moods, and Hollywood whims. Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim
Noun
  • That's such a crazy, perverse notion — on this triumphant night, to see it from the point of view of the guy being left behind in all this.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Protesters have slammed the notions and multiple attendees wore inflatable frog and animal costumes to point to the absurdity of the claims of danger.
    Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Over that time his work neatly evaded the whims and caprices of fashion, achieving a kind of timelessness and clarity of purpose.
    Anna Wintour, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The caprice of the wind was the only reason there was evidence to recover in the first place.
    Henry Leutwyler Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • To put a cap on preseason and training camp and to prepare for what’s ahead, here are my predictions and thoughts on how the Knicks will handle their depth chart and rotation heading into the season.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • As the players performed snow angels in the confetti on the Levi’s Stadium field, the prevailing thought was there would never be another Von or a Denver D like this.
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Or at least have the option of several lives other than their own not being governed by the vagaries of the football industry?
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Owning and running the restaurant also meant caring for the vast, aging Foster’s collection while managing the vagaries of heat, cold, humidity and stovetop.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And Eggar sang and danced alongside Rex Harrison in Doctor Dolittle (1967), the musical fantasy about a guy who can talk to the animals.
    Chris Koseluk, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Good Fortune may be a comedy with a fantasy twist, but its watches give it weight and texture.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But the whimsy gave way pretty quickly.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Where to Eat in Anoka The Mad Hatter Enjoy a bit of whimsy on your trip to Anoka by booking an afternoon tea at The Mad Hatter.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The energy will be high, pushing us to rush through our choices and jump into the next best thing or person that catches our fancy.
    Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Ultra Skelly is suitable for year-round use if that tickles your fancy.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whim. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on whim

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!