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 light of the neighborhood’s status as one of the priciest places in California, and with high-end eateries like Nobu and Buona Fortuna within walking distance, Woody’s has stayed afloat all these years without succumbing to tonier tastes or the whims of the mercurial espresso martini sect. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 29 May 2025 They’re now increasingly reliant on renewable power systems subject to the weather’s whims. Terry Jarrett, Boston Herald, 28 May 2025 This translates into collections that transcend seasonal whims, instead offering timeless pieces with modern sensibilities. Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 2 June 2025 Ownership of the Birmingham Property changed hands several times through transactions initiated at the whims of the Respondent. Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for whim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim
Noun
  • This Money Mistake Keeps You Stuck One of the most popular misconceptions being debunked right now is the notion that working harder or for longer hours equates to making more money.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • This momentum continued into the 90s — a decade full of significant strides for gender equality and yet fraught with problematic notions on the treatment of women.
    Christina Hillsberg, People.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Trump ran as a populist, but his actions in office have built a new élite shaped by his personal preference and caprice.
    Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
  • 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
  • Hernandez admits Medicaid cuts could give people here second thoughts.
    John Daley, NPR, 22 June 2025
  • Jones has also talked extensively about struggling with suicidal thoughts and depression.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Vape shops have spread across the American retail landscape with a bizarre swiftness, seemingly unbeholden to the same vagaries of inflation, customer demand, and local real estate that bind every other kind of storefront small business in the country.
    Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 22 June 2023
  • Third, repeaters should prove capable of swapping this data between nodes in a network in a predictable way and not one too subject to the vagaries of chance.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 13 June 2023
Noun
  • Yet now that substantial success seems to have given birth to a self-destructive fantasy.
    Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 17 June 2025
  • So what better time than now to answer some VERY IMPORTANT fantasy football questions?
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • For the Beach Bride For the summer bride hosting a seaside soirée, Loewe’s silk fishnet dress—framed with frothy ruffles—is the perfect blend of whimsy and modernity.
    Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 23 June 2025
  • This is a standard approach to the glassware, with a touch of whimsy thanks to the ochre (or green or pink) marble at the midpoint of the stem.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • The other company members all said more or less the same thing: everyone respected Matthew’s great passion for the play, for the character, but why should the company put itself in legal jeopardy for what was, essentially, one man’s fancy?
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
  • Donned in their fancy (and very thick) bejeweled outfits, the group is introduced individually by their English names: guitarist/vocalist Sammy (Woosung), guitarist/vocalist Leo (Dojoon), bass player Jeff (Jaehyeong/Taegyeom), and drummer Dylan (Hajoon).
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whim. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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