CROTCHET Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

crotchet

noun

ˈkrä-chət

Definition of crotchet next

as in trick

an odd or peculiar habit her one crotchet is a fondness for eating cookies while soaking in the tub

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

If not, now's the time to add it to your arsenal of emergency hair tricks.

— Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 11 Feb. 2025
If the fashion on the sidelines wasn't enough to hype up attendees, a lively dance performance to kick off the runway show did the trick.

— Anika Reed, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025