WHIMSICAL Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

whimsical

adjective

ˈ(h)wim-zi-kəl

Definition of whimsical

as in impulsive

prone to sudden illogical changes of mind, ideas, or actions it's hard to make plans with such a whimsical best friend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 whimsical From the in-room Alice in Wonderland–themed teacups to the residence’s private library, each whimsical element offers guests a sense of imaginative comfort blended with timeless sophistication. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026 One of the hotel’s top attractions for locals and hotel guests alike is the iconic Bemelmans Bar, outfitted with whimsical wall murals by Madeline author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. — Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026 For her glam, Swift kept things natural with a soft pink lip and a light dusting of blush for a whimsical, romantic look. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2026 Illit serve as ambassadors for ArtBox, a popular Korean lifestyle brand that’s near unavoidable in Korea, with bright colored stores featuring whimsical stationery and K-lifestyle items. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whimsical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whimsical

Adjective

But last Christmas, the designer went out on an impulsive—and what would prove to be fateful—run through Paris along the Seine, the city’s famous central waterway.

— Max Berlinger, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026
In many instances Rama approaches difficult situations with restraint and adherence to dharma (righteous conduct), whereas Lakshmana is expressive, impulsive, quick to anger, and distrustful.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of impulsive

Adjective

Elle Fanning, currently embracing the gloriously eccentric wardrobe of her Hunger Games character Effie Trinket, has already delivered some spectacular millinery moments on the press tour for Sunrise on the Reaping.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Burke Dennings, an eccentric film director, is drunk during a party, and harasses Karl, the family caretaker.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of eccentric

Adjective

The war has cast a shadow on Persian Gulf nations that have long presented themselves as paragons of stability in a volatile region, mostly unaffected by the conflicts raging in the wider Middle East.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Daco recommends testing investments against a range of financing costs and maintaining hurdle rates that reflect a structurally higher and more volatile cost of capital.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of volatile

Browse Nearby Words

whims

whimsical

whimsicality

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Whimsical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whimsical. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of whimsical

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

cockamamie

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

The Words of the Week - Nov. 6

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes