Thesaurus results for VAGARY

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vagary

noun

ˈvā-gə-rē

Definition of vagary next

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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Synonym Chooser

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of vagary So a nomination would’ve been understandable, but that’s the vagaries of it. —

Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Apr. 2023 The vagaries of showbiz careers can present special challenges for mediators. —

Todd Longwell, Variety, 19 Apr. 2023 Identity, reality, the vagaries of consciousness: All of them are up for grabs in this (literally) mind-bending piece of work. —

Boris Kachka, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2023 Success or failure depends on the vagaries of taste, scoring a few good breaks while steering clear of the bad ones, and riding a wave that threatens to crash in a cacophony of bruising reviews or box office bombs. —

Brent Lang, Variety, 6 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for vagary