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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whim
This makes the younger generation more susceptible and vulnerable to falling prey to the whims of a bot.
—
The Ai Insider, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025
In this still-early stage of the AI boom, Silicon Valley, for all its impunity, has chosen not to voice robust ideas about democracy that differ substantively from the whims of a mercurial White House.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2025
But the top lot might be the notorious bell wall, which clattered incessantly to alert the servants to the desires and whims of their employers.
—Air Mail, 23 Aug. 2025
In actor-writer-director Ustinov’s tackling of Herman Melville’s seafaring 18th-century novel, the young stage actor starred as the titular naïve young seaman who suffers under the sadistic whims of his superior Claggart (Robert Ryan) and is eventually falsely accused of a crime.
—Christina Newland, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whim
The Ai Insider, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025
In this still-early stage of the AI boom, Silicon Valley, for all its impunity, has chosen not to voice robust ideas about democracy that differ substantively from the whims of a mercurial White House.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2025
But the top lot might be the notorious bell wall, which clattered incessantly to alert the servants to the desires and whims of their employers.
—Air Mail, 23 Aug. 2025
In actor-writer-director Ustinov’s tackling of Herman Melville’s seafaring 18th-century novel, the young stage actor starred as the titular naïve young seaman who suffers under the sadistic whims of his superior Claggart (Robert Ryan) and is eventually falsely accused of a crime.
—Christina Newland, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim
Noun
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But while some reject the notion of vodka with flavor, preferring a clean and neutral spirit, Mendel won Vodka of the Year at the New Orleans Spirits Competition announced at Tales of the Cocktail in 2022, proof that spirits experts appreciate the unique flavor.—
Don Tse,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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And while the notion of privatizing a public liberal arts college may seem radical, it can also be understood as an escalation of a larger pattern.—
Alice Herman,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
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Fear of political caprice masquerading as strategy, of a trade war metastasizing into financial contagion, and of a world where traditional safe havens—currencies, institutions, alliances—no longer offer much safety at all.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In that initial video call, McCarthy shared his thoughts on Acosta’s previous offenses.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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Follow Scheffler for destination stories, travel trends and thought-provoking conversations from the world of travel.—
Daniel Scheffler,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Given the vagaries of pitching at altitude at Coors Field, signing an accomplished veteran pitcher via free agency is unlikely.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
31 Aug. 2025
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Drahi and his team wouldn’t be the first, or the last, corporate titans to trip and stumble in the vagaries of the art market.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Welcome to my annual fantasy hockey dynasty rankings at The Athletic.—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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Lamb’s seven catches for 110 yards look good, and will appease some fantasy football owners.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Nearly four decades after its release, Labyrinth continues to captivate not just because of its dazzling visuals or iconic performances, but because of the emotional truths buried beneath its whimsy and shadows.—
Logan Karlie
September 2,
Literary Hub,
2 Sep. 2025
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Earthy greens, rich browns, muted neutrals, and deep blues let a cabin harmonize with its surroundings, while an unexpected accent color, such as a rust red or golden yellow, introduces a touch of fairytale-esque whimsy.—
Lauren Jones,
Southern Living,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Was the specter of Cracker Barrel’s collapse and bankruptcy a mere fancy?—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
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Vallance’s collaboration is the latest in high fashion flights of fancy.—
Violet Goldstone,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whim. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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