whimsy

noun

ˈ(h)wim-zē How to pronounce whimsy (audio)
variants also whimsey
Definition of whimsynext
as in whim
a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action the pop singer's latest whimsy is that she has acting talent

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 whimsy Nothing adds whimsy like fairy lights, and these solar firework lights are completely adjustable. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2026 In a warm review for The Guardian, Peter Bradshaw cited its charming leads, and praised a certain whimsy in the filmmaking. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 While fashion has a way of chasing the fountain of youth, Kate Spade might have a particular claim on the future consumer as its mix of whimsy and chic has a natural appeal for those moving into adulthood. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 21 July 2026 The whimsy carries over to afternoon tea, served throughout the year in the hotel’s Pavilion and featuring fairytale and wondrous themes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for whimsy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whimsy
  1. whim
  2. humor
  3. caprice
Noun
  • Such temperatures also ground firefighting aircraft, leaving cities, towns and forests even more vulnerable to a wildfire’s whims.
    — John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026
  • If the project seems somewhat convoluted and unnecessarily complex, Dreier has emphasized that’s in part because the US space program has been subject to budget uncertainties and the shifting whims of presidential administrations.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of whim
Noun
  • The Gemini Moon moves through your 5th House of Creativity and sextiles the Leo Sun in your 7th House of Partnership, helping humor, flirtation, brainstorming, or self-expression flow more easily with someone else.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The Moon enters Gemini and your 5th House of Creativity, Romance, and Pleasure, bringing curiosity, humor, flirtation, and expressive momentum.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of humor
Noun
  • However, the success of these provisions will depend on the caprice of local politics.
    — Christopher Calton, Oc Register, 29 June 2026
  • But statistics fail to convey the humanity of yard sales—the caprice, whimsy, and high spirits, as well as the cunning, weirdness, and heartbreak, that charge and thicken the air when two people agree to perform an off-the-books monetary transaction.
    — Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Definition of caprice

Browse Nearby Words

whimsies
whimsy
whim-whams
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Cite this Entry

“Whimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whimsy. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on whimsy

Nglish: Translation of whimsy for Spanish Speakers

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