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
  • The secret trick of reconciliation is that Congress gets a chance to add tweaks to the budget — to reconcile it — twice every federal fiscal year.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 30 May 2025
  • Turn Strong Articles Into How-To Or Best-Practice Guides One of my favorite tricks is transforming strong articles into resources that stay relevant long-term, like how-to guides or best practices.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Schenn, however, is an assertive physical presence and a top notch leader in the locker room, traits that the Canucks might understandably prioritize after what happened last season.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • The Role of Mindset and Goals Underlying all development and measurement activity is the growth mindset for communication, which is the belief that communication ability is not a trait but one that can be learned and strengthened.
    Su Bridgman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • North York Moors National Park The low-growing vegetation characteristic of the Moors is gray-green, rust-brown, and even purple in places.
    Mike Nolan, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
  • From engaging with the rich tradition of equestrian fashion to exploring the nuanced world of Kentucky bourbon and even discovering the unique characteristics of Icelandic horses, Shelby County offers visitors an enriching few days in the Blue Grass State.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Blashill, 51, also has had the benefit of being an assistant on Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper’s staff and learning from his mannerisms on the bench and tendencies as a tactician.
    Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • Rogers embodies that transformation with finesse, capturing Betty's signature voice and mannerisms while infusing the character with contemporary depth and relatability.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Standout Interviewee Habits: How to Take Things to the Next Level Deliver a clear personal pitch To stand out from the crowd, Marino-Briggs recommends a few key habits.
    Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • In addition, he’s also made a habit of gathering a handful of players together every night for a dinner at the Cowboys’ members-only speakeasy restaurant on the top level of The Star in Frisco, Cowboys Club.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • These meta-references might have registered as little more than self-conscious tics, but Robinson’s aggressively eccentric performance gives them a prickly, ultimately disturbing sense of purpose.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
  • In fact, some of Guy's vocal tics inspired some of Pee-wee's most iconic catchphrases.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This three-ingredient cocktail is as easy as can be and lends itself to many creative twists.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
  • Fans want fun— and the newest sports are delivering it by blending familiar formats with bold, inventive twists.
    John Cairney, Sportico.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Every application has its own quirks—some are easy to migrate, others require extra integrations and some legacy systems may not be compatible at all.
    Akram Atallah, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Across the border in Texas, and in other parts of the Southwest, flour tortillas bear a range of regional quirks.
    Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crotchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crotchet. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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