whimsical 1 of 2

adjective

ˈ(h)wim-zi-kəl How to pronounce whimsical (audio)
Definition of whimsicalnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

whimsicality

2 of 2

noun

as in impulsiveness
an inclination to sudden illogical changes of mind, ideas, or actions her whimsicality made her an unpredictable companion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Adjective
Garden gnomes, fairy lights, and other whimsical outdoor garden decor add all three to your otherwise boring backyard. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2026 From Issa Rae to Ed Sheeran, these stars prove that whimsical love stories can be found outside the spotlight. — Adrianne Reece, InStyle, 28 July 2026 The Faeries of the Forest Festival is a celebration of all things whimsical, designed to captivate the imaginations of both young and old. — Daily Herald, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 This whimsical option has a handkerchief hemline, which gives it a ton of fun movement and a stunning silhouette. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for whimsical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whimsical
  1. impulsive
  2. eccentric
  3. volatile
Adjective
  • But Magdalen’s temporary embodiment of her sister’s demure, obedient nature does not temper her impulsive, dramatic tendencies—only the development of an empathetic, analytical intelligence can do that.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
  • This matters because Arraez seems like the kind of player who could get a GM or president of baseball operations to do something impulsive.
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of impulsive
Adjective
  • Cook built the arch two decades ago, when resurrecting classical architecture in America was an eccentric idea.
    — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • His search for answers leads him to an eccentric and whimsical old man nicknamed The Chicken Man (Johnson), and his beloved companion, a 111-year-old chicken named Claudia — two kindred spirits who found each other at just the right time.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 July 2026
Definition of eccentric
Adjective
  • The South Korean benchmark now hovers at around 6,700, having experienced volatile swings due to the heavy dependence on heavyweights Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • As a politician of some experience, she is presumably unfazed by the sorts of challenges that come with governing a volatile section of her volatile country.
    — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Definition of volatile

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Cite this Entry

“Whimsical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whimsical. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on whimsical

Nglish: Translation of whimsical for Spanish Speakers

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