Definition of whimnext

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 In the fifth and final season of The Boys, the world is completely subject to Homelander’s erratic, egomaniacal whims. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2026 And few issues provide more difficulties in implementing his changing whims than a war in the Middle East. David Goldman, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026 Every deportation should be based on immigration law, not the whims of ICE nor those of the president. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026 Uniting best practices in public health and offering further support and coordination to the community violence intervention community, an office would serve as a Chicago department with a set strategy that would not change according to political winds or mayoral whims. Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim
Noun
  • The author characterizes Huntington Beach itself as an inherently self-aggrandizing, wealthy coastal enclave unrepresentative of broader California concerns, dismissing the notion that this affluent beach town should serve as a model for statewide governance or the state’s future direction.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Karis, however, disputed that notion, saying a warning label wouldn’t have made a difference.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • One needed Mother Nature to bestow upon brewers the right temperatures for making beer, and in the days before refrigeration and even thermometers, that meant that brewing was largely dictated by the caprices of the seasons.
    Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Order the waterzooi — the house specialty seafood stew — the duck confit, the crepe caprice, or the escargot petit gris served in a Roquefort cream sauce.
    USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Warrior Mars in your sign fires up thoughts about your identity — and simultaneously heightens your initiative.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The prevailing thought was not concern, not the slightest bit of panic.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There were plenty of ordinary and dismissive explanations for what had happened, all related to the vagaries of the brain.
    Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
  • As a result, those close to him have felt that there have been some vagaries around his role within the team since his arrival.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • String lights crowning the patio give a touch of whimsy and romance to the stone patio—the perfect complement to the moody, modern home exterior.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Keep scrolling for even more of Emma Chamberlain’s whimsy-centric collaboration with West Elm.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Inspired by the Coachella headliner herself, the stop is a Sabrina fantasy land, with sparkly vintage cars, slushie concoctions and much more.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The president is tweeting about his genocidal fantasies in Iran.
    Anne Bryson, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • If any of those tickle your fancy, stop at Shyboy for music, art and a drink.
    Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas Morning News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • If something strikes Lakshmi’s fancy, there’s no gatekeeping.
    Alyse Whitney, Saveur, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Hundreds of reporters and photojournalists came to Vietnam to witness the end of a war that had lasted thirty years and in which millions had died, and many recorded their impressions.
    Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Crosby and the Penguins have won more times than not, but Ovi has certainly made an impression on Sid the Kid.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whim. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

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