vagary

noun

ˈvā-gə-rē How to pronounce vagary (audio)
Definition of vagarynext
as in whim
a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action the vagaries of a rather eccentric, elderly lady

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word vagary distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of vagary are caprice, crotchet, and whim. While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire.

he had been prone to strange vagaries

When could caprice be used to replace vagary?

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

by sheer caprice she quit her job

When can crotchet be used instead of vagary?

The words crotchet and vagary can be used in similar contexts, but crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference.

a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

Where would whim be a reasonable alternative to vagary?

While the synonyms whim and vagary 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 vagary Some of the long time lag reflected the vagaries and limitations of travel in the mid-19th century, when moving family, servants, and belongings via horse and buggy in the winter months made a longer period necessary. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026 There is, too, a third kind of eclipse known as an annular eclipse—caused by the vagaries of the moon’s orbit. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 Or maybe, for once in their franchise history, the vagaries of postseason baseball will tilt in their favor. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 That the actual, original Antifa formed in clandestine resistance to Nazi terror during the early 1930s appears lost amid the rhetorical vagaries of political propaganda. — Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vagary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vagary
whim
Noun
  • Telling the world every thought and creative whim built him a following.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
  • But an outdoor garden, no matter how beautiful and lovingly designed or how innovatively used in the menu, is susceptible to the whims of Miami’s humid, rainy, extraordinarily lengthy summers.
    — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of whim

Browse Nearby Words

vagaries
vagary
vagrancies
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Cite this Entry

“Vagary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vagary. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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