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 But Ederra and crew push their whims further. Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 11 Mar. 2026 As a medium tied to evolving technology and the whims of capital, film has panic about its future baked into its very foundations. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026 While others have shared my friend’s experience, a variety of factors—water temperature, visibility, the inscrutable whims of these mysterious creatures—can make spotting them a challenge. David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026 Trump’s fixation about coal is another of his whims of iron, like tariffs. Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim
Noun
  • The notion that there is widespread fraud in the system is far more prevalent among the Republican rank and file, more so than others.
    Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • In the press call Thursday, James and Bonta dismissed the notion that the lack of a federal plaintiff will hurt their Nexstar-Tegna litigation.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 Mar. 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
  • Faces off the field gives a revealing look into the thoughts and lives of high school student-athletes from the Austin area.
    Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Cornyn later expounded on his evolving thoughts about the legislative filibuster.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The vagaries of the schedule are something that figures to hamper MLS teams all season.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There is no shortage of extravagant beachfront villas in the Caribbean, but this one distinguishes itself by combining the best of neo-classical design with a touch of whimsy.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
  • That freshness features big on the menu as well, alongside the whimsy of Disney’s take on the Lewis Carroll classic.
    Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Last year, Massachusetts created the first curriculum for high school students designed to prevent gambling harm, focused on sports betting and daily fantasy sports.
    Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Previously, O’Rourke had a major role alongside fellow Cognition clients Caitríona Balfe and Tobias Menzies in Starz’s historical fantasy series Outlander, based on the book series by Diana Gabaldon.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That car too would never see the light, but the 10-cylinder heart found its way into a roadster concept car called the Carrera GT—and when the Cayenne proved successful enough to fund such a flight of fancy, the beancounters gave it the green light.
    Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
  • But in classic O’Brien fashion, the sincerity turned out to be a bait and switch that gave rise to a bit of absurdist flight of fancy.
    Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Here are impressions of the game from a Johnny-come-lately.
    Michel A. Ibrahim, Baltimore Sun, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The club’s decision makers will meet this weekend to decide on the club’s final few roster spots, but there are still a few days left for players to make a last impression.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whim. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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