Thesaurus results for WHIM

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

whim

noun

ˈ(h)wim

Definition of whim

as in notion

a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action on a whim, we stopped at the roadside stand to get ice cream

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Telling the world every thought and creative whim built him a following. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026 But an outdoor garden, no matter how beautiful and lovingly designed or how innovatively used in the menu, is susceptible to the whims of Miami’s humid, rainy, extraordinarily lengthy summers. — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 And these people are at the whim of whatever ICE wants to do with them. — Vanessa Romo, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026 The players are not responsible for the whims of their ownership. — Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim

Noun

This fall, New York museums are mounting an intriguing mix of shows that speak to notions of girlhood, nostalgia, and feminine self-expression across time, cultures, and creative disciplines.

— Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026
As Nora’s feelings for Thomas butt up against her wish for a full-time offer at Platen, her romanticized notions of the people and place come crashing down.

— Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of notion

Noun

The afflicted can feel very strongly about them, strongly believe them, even though there is no convincing reason for holding that thought.

— Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Lea Michele, who gained her first major fame as a cast member of Broadway’s Spring Awakening, paid tribute to the musical’s late composer Duncan Sheik today, remembering their first meeting and her thoughts upon his passing yesterday.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of thought

Noun

There is really no way to talk about the film unless one falls back on wispy vagaries and pointed allusions to cinematic precedents, or just explaining the act one set-up and then stopping with the warning that things get really weird thereafter.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Of course, the ultimate risk for owning these stocks is familiar to all investors, namely the vagaries of the market itself.

— Norah Rami, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of vagary

Noun

Following suit with her ongoing romantic comedy homage wardrobe, Reinhart’s dress was full of whimsy — cast in pink with a bouquet of green florals and botanicals cascading throughout the wispy chiffon fabric.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Folklore Taylor Swift Folklore’s angelic aura is best captured with gauzy peasant dresses, soft boho details, and a touch of woodland whimsy.

— Zoe Weiner, StyleCaster, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of whimsy

Noun

Colin Newman and Malka Spigel, formerly of post-punk legends Wire and Minimal Compact, respectively, have certainly earned the right to rest on their laurels, cruise on autopilot, follow their fancies, or indulge in score-settling.

— Reed Jackson, SPIN, 7 Sep. 2026
And if those don’t strike your fancy, T-Mobile is offering another iPhone 17 promo.

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of fancy

Noun

But while Jumbo’s has garnered a mythology as a magnet for filmmakers, writers and musicians who collect impressions, the dive’s dancers have shifted from being the subject to the artists.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
To watch 2026 college football means receiving the impression that all of sports and politics are united in favor of a perfect bill, and none of that is the case.

— Jason Kirk, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of impression

Browse Nearby Words

whilst

whim

whimper

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“Whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whim. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of whim

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