Synonyms of whim

whim

noun

ˈ(h)wim 

as in notion

a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action

on a whim, we stopped at the roadside stand to get ice cream

Synonyms & Similar Words

• notion
• caprice
• thought
• vagary
• fantasy
• whimsy
• whimsey
• fancy
• impression
• vagrancy
• humor
• bee
• megrim
• freak
• kink
• maggot
• image
• crank
• capriciousness
• bee in one's bonnet
• conception
• concept
• picture
• fancifulness
• whimsicality
• phantasy
• freakishness
• impetuosity
• inspiration
• conceit
• brainstorm
• mind's eye

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

Examples of whim in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a place where tourists come and go, but the residents who cater to their whims can feel stuck in purgatory, Katerina and Yannis aren’t in for a vacation when they’re obliged to stick around for an autopsy after a tragic car crash to identify a body that’s suggested to be their daughter. —Stephen Saito, Variety, 29 Aug. 2024

The livestock industry recognized what animal rights activists had not: Demand for its products could not be left up to the whims of consumer choice. —Crystal Heath, Vox, 9 Aug. 2024

There were, of course, plenty of recurring features and characters, but page-to-page, the humor and style matched the whims of the talent and kept Mad from getting stale. —Patrick Sauer, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024

In other words, subjecting investment decisions to the whims of the culture wars would be bad for the pensioners who rely on returns for their retirement, college funds, and medical bills. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 13 Sep. 2024