Synonyms for

Whim

Verb / wɪm / / hwɪm / Another word for whim — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained

Synonyms & similar words

whimsey impulse whimsy caprice notion caprice fancy impulse notion urge whimsy whirl craze vagary freak impetus inclination itch whimsey yarn freakishness hankering kink mood quim

Synonyms by register

Formal

caprice impulse vagary

Informal

fancy urge hunch quirk

Literary

freak humor

Antonyms

plan reason purpose intention deliberation calculation foresight

Common collocations

  • on a whim
  • sudden whim
  • whim of the moment
  • whim of fashion
  • whim of a child
  • whim of fate
  • whim of the gods

Word family

noun whim
verb whim
adjective whimsical
adverb whimsically

Usage note

A 'whim' refers to a sudden, unpredictable change of mind or desire. It often carries a connotation of being irrational or spontaneous.

Example sentences

  1. I had a whim to eat ice cream for breakfast.
  2. My sister changed her outfit on a whim.
  3. He bought the car on a whim without thinking about the cost.
  4. I don't know why she did it, it must have been a whim.
  5. Her sudden whim to travel to Europe surprised everyone.

Quotes

  • “A person's life is but a series of whens, strung taut by whys.” - Jodi Picoult
  • “We are the whims of our existence.” - Alain de Botton
  • “The muse whispers to us when we least expect it, and sometimes it's through a whim.” - Theresa Alan

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