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 Denim street style at Paris Fashion Week captured the free-spirited, anything-goes vibe of recent collections—empowering consumers to experiment with their denim looks on a whim. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025 As the leader of LVMH with a 48% stake in the business, his fortune is largely at the whim of whether consumers are buying up opulent products like Louis Vuitton bags, TAG Heuer watches, and Dom Perignon champagne. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025 The press and the world were at her feet and at her whim, and her whim was a whim of iron. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025 Martin decided to have Emma undergo a DNA test on something of a whim. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim
Noun
  • But Interview With the Vampire set a precedent for transformative TV from the Immortal Universe, its narrative and visual audacity subverting adaptation tropes and genre storytelling by challenging viewers’ notions of immortality, sexuality, and destiny.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2025
  • From these revolutionary realizations, the notion of the expanding Universe was born.
    Big Think, Big Think, 24 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
  • Few consumers relish the thought of reading a credit report, shopping for car insurance or parsing a bank statement.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Most young people who experience suicidal thoughts keep those thoughts to themselves.
    Dr. Theresa T. Nguyen, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • 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
Noun
  • Get started with the Sleeper promo code NEWSWEEKXL to take advantage of one of the best daily fantasy offers for a busy sports weekend.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Draped in orange velvet curtains, layered with vintage rugs and filled with embellished pieces that feel as if they’ve been discovered in another time, the space is designed to create an atmosphere that blurs the line between fashion and fantasy.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And while its nostalgia makes perfect sense in the homes of historical fiction fanatics and Austen fans, Crate & Kids recognized its whimsy also makes for a superb children’s collection.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The Handmaid’s Tale meets The Arabian Nights in Julia Jackman’s feature debut, a feminist fantasy that leans hard into whimsy while making some salient points about the place of women in the real world.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • She’s fallen under the sway of a fashionable worldview in which logic is paramount, and the realm of emotion and magic and even dæmons is just childish fancy.
    Lev Grossman, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Which leads us to our current flight of fancy—which jewels currently on the market would be perfect for Hollywood legends?
    Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whim. Accessed 29 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!