whimsy

noun

ˈ(h)wim-zē How to pronounce whimsy (audio)
variants also whimsey
Definition of whimsynext
as in whim
a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action the pop singer's latest whimsy is that she has acting talent

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 whimsy Both this percale comforter and linen quilt would be perfect for staying cozy yet cool in warm weather, while the snowflake sheet set will add some wintry whimsy that kids will love snuggling into. — Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026 The mood of the season was very much about rethinking everyday basics—and to inject your wardrobe with a fresh sense of whimsy and personality. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 1 July 2026 The country’s tragic 21st-century travails provide much of the fodder for the couple’s drama in director Cyril Aris’ moving film, including whether to stay or emigrate, with touches of magical realism and whimsy providing levity. — David Faris, TheWeek, 6 July 2026 Meanwhile, labels like Steve Madden, Melissa, Tyler Ellis, and Dolce Vita are exploring contemporary silhouettes and vibrant color palettes that tap into fashion’s growing embrace of whimsy, nostalgia, and joyful dressing. — Sanika Achrekar, Glamour, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for whimsy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whimsy
  1. whim
  2. humor
  3. caprice
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
Noun
  • And yet for God’s sake, just look at the man—at his dispiriting attempts at humor, his weirdly off-putting outfits, his incessant posting of banalities and faux profundities and extreme-right disinformation on social media.
    — Mark O’Connell, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
  • But what keeps this show on my perpetual rewatch list is its humor, heart and endless humanity.
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of humor
Noun
  • However, the success of these provisions will depend on the caprice of local politics.
    — Christopher Calton, Oc Register, 29 June 2026
  • But statistics fail to convey the humanity of yard sales—the caprice, whimsy, and high spirits, as well as the cunning, weirdness, and heartbreak, that charge and thicken the air when two people agree to perform an off-the-books monetary transaction.
    — Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Definition of caprice

Browse Nearby Words

whimsies
whimsy
whim-whams
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Cite this Entry

“Whimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whimsy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on whimsy

Nglish: Translation of whimsy for Spanish Speakers

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