Definition of capricenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word caprice distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of caprice are crotchet, vagary, and whim. While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness.

by sheer caprice she quit her job

When could crotchet be used to replace caprice?

In some situations, the words crotchet and caprice are roughly equivalent. However, crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference.

a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

Where would vagary be a reasonable alternative to caprice?

The words vagary and caprice can be used in similar contexts, but vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire.

he had been prone to strange vagaries

When can whim be used instead of caprice?

The synonyms whim and caprice are sometimes interchangeable, but whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination.

an odd antique that was bought on a whim

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 caprice 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 Meyer was powerless in his battle to protect the dollar from FDR’s caprice. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026 Some are desperate to look like players by moving into the various Overton windows stretched by Trumpian caprice. Washington Post, 23 Jan. 2026 Every day, by caprice, the lives of ordinary, law-abiding people—our neighbors—are being destroyed. Erin Neil, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for caprice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caprice
Noun
  • Grants could be canceled due to political whims, and new layers of bureaucracy would inhibit basic scientific activities like publishing papers and attending conferences.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
  • And, of course, for all his whims on the basketball court to come true.
    Candace Buckner, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Yakkity’s impulsiveness and wisecracking jokes provide the laughs, while Keo’s rivalry with his father (and his crush on Lemony) ground the show with genuine emotional dynamics.
    Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
  • That impulsiveness was on display last year when the president pushed the Texas state legislature to gerrymander its electoral maps before the midterms in the hope of maintaining Republican control of Congress.
    Jason Willick, Washington Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Her capriciousness leads her into an affair with a frustrated professor, Mark (Michael Angarano), who compliments her writing and composes pretentious, backhandedly insulting poems about their not-quite-love.
    Judy Berman, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Whether out of arrogance, capriciousness, or collective amnesia, this recent history was ignored.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Caprice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caprice. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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