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 The trio are connected through the whims of fate, the bonds of blood, the power of art (Federico García Lorca looms large), the horrors of war, and, mostly, the magic of overediting. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 May 2026 In normal times, money really can provide some buffer against the whims of the world. Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 23 May 2026 The decor offers a colorful contrast to the austere exterior, allowing the house to honor the neighborhood while indulging the whims of its occupants. Fred Albert, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026 How, exactly, can Trump hand out taxpayer dollars at his whim? Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for whim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim
Noun
  • The property is reachable by water, and any notion of building or installing amenities comes with a to-do list that starts with conversations with local agencies.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026
  • Some Montana hunters balk at the notion that corner-crossing needs to be defined, at all.
    Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 4 June 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
  • Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 5 June 2026
  • At least that was the thought entering the NBA Finals, where the Spurs, a team with rich championship history, have been known to have one of the most passionate fanbases in all of sports.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • As well as the vagaries of the wind, there’s a strong current flowing through the Hudson, sometimes as much as three knots.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 26 May 2026
  • The vagaries of the Civil War are also hard to intuit at times.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Amanda Nadelberg is a genius of meaningful whimsey.
    Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Bourbon Steak Bourbon Steak is among Mina’s signature concepts, featuring a modern take on steakhouses by incorporating global flavors, slow-poaching steaks in butter and topping off diners’ restaurant experiences with a little whimsy over the past 20 years.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Founded in 1997 and now among Asia‘s largest showcases for horror, fantasy and thriller cinema, BIFAN runs July 2-12 in Bucheon, just west of Seoul.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026
  • Two oversized Adirondack chairs face a campy performance-art film that traces a path from Caribbean sugar plantations and rum production to the modern fantasy of escape marketed by Margaritaville.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Barça fancy the idea of signing Silva according to Mundo Deportivo, and the Portuguese international is eager to sign on the dotted line to don Blaugrana.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • There are also a few other flavors that might tickle your fancy.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • For nearly 24 hours after CNN reported on Wednesday that Carroll was the target of a criminal investigation, the DOJ did not correct the record and even appeared to give some media outlets the impression that the original story was somewhat accurate.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
  • Companies with a track record of straight dealing tend to get more grace in difficult moments than those who’ve spent years optimizing for surface-level impressions.
    Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whim. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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