vagrancy

noun

ˈvā-grən(t)-sē How to pronounce vagrancy (audio)
Definition of vagrancynext
as in whim
a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action a frequent victim to the vagrancies of the heart, she had a succession of passionate but short-lived romances

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 vagrancy Many local government officials, reformers, and policymakers in the 19th century saw vagrancy laws as futile at best, cruel at worst. — Time, 16 Sep. 2025 Philadelphia’s vagrancy docket is full of examples of freedom seekers who were apprehended almost immediately. — Carolyn Zola, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 Following the conquest of the Philippines, hundreds of American veterans were charged under the vagrancy laws as civilians and deported back to the United States. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 26 June 2026 The building, erected between 2005 and 2007, has drawn loiterers, break-ins, litter and other signs of vagrancy and neglect since CVS permanently closed the location in April 2022. — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vagrancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vagrancy
whim
Noun
  • Grants could be canceled due to political whims, and new layers of bureaucracy would inhibit basic scientific activities like publishing papers and attending conferences.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
  • And, of course, for all his whims on the basketball court to come true.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of whim

Browse Nearby Words

vagrancies
vagrancy
vagrant
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Cite this Entry

“Vagrancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vagrancy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vagrancy

Nglish: Translation of vagrancy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vagrancy

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