crotchet

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 Think outside the box All book collectors develop distinctive crotchets. Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024 The origins of brackets — once referred to as crotchets, crooks, or hooks — are a mystery. Sarah Fay, Longreads, 17 Mar. 2020 Among his other crotchets was an aversion to bare canvas. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 7 May 2018 Maxine attended to his every whim and crotchet, never lost faith in his brilliance or potential, and delighted in surrounding him with exactly the sort of frivolous company his wife abhorred. Sadie Stein, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crotchet
Noun
  • Special content, tips, and tricks: Free digital access to the vast recipe archives of Bon Appétit and Epicurious, plus an in-depth video filmed in the test kitchen of one recipe from each box.
    The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But back to the task at hand: One trick to schooling yourself while keeping things fun is taking a tour — or a few of them.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Experts debated the connection, but by 2001 paleontologists uncovered early whale ankle bones that possessed traits only seen among artiodactyls.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In an era of constant change, global complexity and ever-rising expectations, trust has become the defining trait of exceptional leadership.
    Alejandro Bravo, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Overall, the analyst is bullish on EPD stock and views it as a core master limited partnership holding, having both offensive and defensive characteristics.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
  • These are clones of individual grape varieties that have been bred to ensure certain characteristics, such as resistance to specific diseases.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The actor skillfully plays nine different roles using props, tone, and mannerisms to differentiate the characters, with the compact setting making the action feel all the more intimate.
    Staff Author, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Xavier, a doppelgänger who shares some of the narrator’s physical features and appears to have copied mannerisms from her stage and screen performances, forces her to see what is rote, vague, or manipulative in gestures she’s repeated too many times in too many different contexts.
    Lidija Haas, Harper's Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Adopt or maintain healthy habits: Stress and illness can trigger allergic asthma.
    Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Other challenges include evolving habits and the need to bring decorative lighting back into focus, reaffirming its role in contemporary interiors.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Instead, Hackman leaned into physicality - from facial tics to looks - to portray a scared introvert in one of his most subtle performances that was nevertheless powerful.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The goal was not to do the most precise impression so much as to feel comfortable enough to forget about doing all the tics and instead live in (and improvise as) the character.
    Marc Tracy, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Biles, 28, gave a sporty look a chic twist by wearing an oversized white Balenciaga jean jacket with black knee-high leather boots.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • On this week’s episode of SNL, host Jack Black joins Cheetos mascot Chester Cheetah for a commercial selling a twist on a familiar product.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Dunn told the Observer Chartwell Property Group had Plaza Midwood’s unique characteristics in mind when purchasing the property and wants to maintain those quirks.
    Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Some quirks are here to stay Team clubhouses and batting cages for both teams are beyond the outfield wall.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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