Definition of whimnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word whim distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of whim are caprice, crotchet, and vagary. While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination.

an odd antique that was bought on a whim

Where would caprice be a reasonable alternative to whim?

While in some cases nearly identical to whim, caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness.

by sheer caprice she quit her job

When can crotchet be used instead of whim?

The words crotchet and whim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference.

a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

When would vagary be a good substitute for whim?

The meanings of vagary and whim largely overlap; however, vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire.

he had been prone to strange vagaries

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 whim Existing grants, meanwhile, can be terminated at the whims of the administration. Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 27 June 2026 The butler service goes above and beyond, catering to your whims including in-room dining (available 24 hours a day for butler suite guests) dropping off bug spray to the room, organizing your clothes into the closet upon arrival, and will even pick you up for dinner in style. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 June 2026 Britain has experienced major blows to investment and productivity, a historic surge in annual net migration, and—shorn of the diplomatic heft of a united Europe and subject to the whims of a bullying Trump—a geopolitical humbling. Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 25 June 2026 By their very nature, pop-ups are fluid and subject to the whims of weather. Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for whim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whim
Noun
  • Those seeking to stop the roundup reject almost all of the federal agencies’ claims, from the size of the herd to the notion that the horses cause ecological damage.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • The decision in the Wong Kim Ark case was so widely accepted that even in periods of great hostility to immigrants, the notion of birthright citizenship remained untouchable.
    Nina Totenberg, NPR, 30 June 2026
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
Noun
  • The thoughts and prayers expressed on the phones are, in a sense, carried by the wind.
    Staff Photographer, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Her brother said at the time that her first thoughts were with her young daughter, August.
    Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Wealth buys choice, leverage, and a cushion for the vagaries of a market economy.
    Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • This is especially true for small businesses, which are particularly vulnerable to the vagaries of California’s most hostile business environment in the nation.
    Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Plus, the shed kit comes with flower boxes and shutters for even more whimsy.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 29 June 2026
  • Consider sourcing a fun light shape that ties into your outdoor décor scheme or adds a bit of whimsy to your space.
    Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Possibly the biggest Korean release of the summer, this dark fantasy historical thriller stars Nam Joo-hyuk as Gu-cheon, a man who can traverse the world of ghosts, alongside Roh Yoon-seo as Saeng-gang, a court lady carrying a dangerous secret.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Sometimes that player fantasy can be expressed through a simple toy that just feels good, briefly.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • London quite fancies using alignment to secure market access in sectors beyond those currently under negotiation.
    Anand Menon, Time, 13 June 2026
  • Paper was scarce during the war, so the boy would roust himself out of bed early and intercept the delivery of newspapers and magazines, going at their blank margins with his pencil, drawing figures, cartoons, landscapes, whatever struck his fancy.
    Mark Rozzo, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • The complaint accuses Cal-Maine, Hickman's and Versova of conspiring to submit bids to influence egg price quotations, creating the impression there was a greater demand than there actually was.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Set in the pink of a romantic sunset was an impression of Buraq, the steed that had carried the Prophet to heaven and back and shown him the wonders of Paradise.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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