crotchet

Definition of crotchetnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word crotchet distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of crotchet are caprice, vagary, and whim. While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference.

a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

When would caprice be a good substitute for crotchet?

The words caprice and crotchet are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness.

by sheer caprice she quit her job

When is vagary a more appropriate choice than crotchet?

In some situations, the words vagary and crotchet are roughly equivalent. However, vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire.

he had been prone to strange vagaries

Where would whim be a reasonable alternative to crotchet?

While the synonyms whim and crotchet are close in meaning, 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 crotchet Eccentricities, crotchets, and hobbyhorses are such interesting intellectual drivers. Clare Bucknell, The New York Review of Books, 27 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crotchet
Noun
  • The trick is to widen your view deliberately, one angle at a time, because each new angle surfaces buyers the last one missed.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Now, as heat waves wash over cities from London to Palm Springs, people are embracing this tried-and-true trick with the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Still, the pieces of ceiling trim dedicated to the pillars of courage and trust remained missing, a nod perhaps to the traits most easily lost when disaster strikes – and most needed to rebuild.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Three months later, the Supreme Court voted to allow immigration agents to stop people based on racial or ethnic characteristics while still-ongoing litigation against it proceeded.
    Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 1 July 2026
  • For example, the experienced representative knew from past cases that when the customer had three particular characteristics, the usual answer would be wrong.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • While Minetree delivers a charming performance, capturing Elle's bubbly optimism and mannerisms, the show largely fails to add meaningful depth and truly enrich one of pop culture's most enduring heroines.
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Instead, Nowell roots the band’s sound in the mid-’90s and keeps his vocal mannerisms as close to Bradley’s as possible.
    Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Update a profile photo or choose one small habit that supports your body and mood.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
  • This has impacted every aspect of his life — sleep, eating habits and his controlling attitude toward me.
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • There are linguistic tics and habits that give away formerly Amish people immediately.
    Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026
  • Physical tics can be as subtle as eye blinking, or involve jerking the arms, or stretching the neck.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • With granny shorts, these soft loafers create a relaxed put still put-together look that’s ideal for those who love a classic vibe with a trendy twist.
    René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 3 July 2026
  • And in a novel twist, there will be a ball drop in New York City’s Times Square at midnight to usher in the July Fourth holiday with much the same revelry that is typically reserved for New Year’s Eve.
    Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • This is no quirk of fate but rather a distinct startup ecosystem built over decades between two major German urban clusters some 400km apart.
    Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The spindle’s mechanical quirks show just how weird materials science can get at the finest scales of life.
    Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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