1
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
capricious weather that was balmy one day and freezing cold the next
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impulsive
prone to sudden illogical changes of mind, ideas, or actions
a capricious woman who changed her mind dozens of times about what color to paint the bathroom
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of capricious
But the Chinese have been toughened by prior experience with capricious and authoritarian-minded governments.
—
Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 3 June 2025
Another source of distrust is the college admission process, which is largely seen as opaque and capricious.
—Mark Robison, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
On these grounds, the courts have consistently held that state waivers imposing work requirements not only fail to promote Medicaid’s objectives but amount to an arbitrary and capricious effort to undermine those objectives.
—Colin Gordon, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
The suit alleges that the NSF’s actions are illegally arbitrary and capricious and violate federal law on the management and use of federal funding.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for capricious
Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 3 June 2025
Another source of distrust is the college admission process, which is largely seen as opaque and capricious.
—Mark Robison, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
On these grounds, the courts have consistently held that state waivers imposing work requirements not only fail to promote Medicaid’s objectives but amount to an arbitrary and capricious effort to undermine those objectives.
—Colin Gordon, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
The suit alleges that the NSF’s actions are illegally arbitrary and capricious and violate federal law on the management and use of federal funding.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for capricious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capricious
Adjective
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Whether or not all these pricing updates are related to tariffs is unclear, but the volatile trade war has brought uncertainty.—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
10 July 2025
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That matters for investors seeking capital preservation as equity and bond markets remain volatile.—
Artem Milinchuk,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Outfits that once felt aspirational quickly become irrelevant, leaving behind a cycle of impulsive purchases, lukewarm satisfaction, and the constant itch for reinvention.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Essence,
8 July 2025
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Back in 1937, Winfield James, Harry Caldwell and Jimmy Pickard — three impulsive teens from Abilene, just out of high school and trying to avoid summer jobs — paddled a small canoe some 660 miles down the Colorado from Ballinger, Texas, to the Gulf of Mexico.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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Unlike cheaper rebounders that can feel stiff or unpredictable, this one stays sturdy and responsive.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
15 July 2025
-
Trump criticized the Russian leader, describing Putin as unpredictable.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Despite his eccentric and theatrical nature, Nagumo proves to be a valuable ally to Sakamoto and his family.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
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Perry brought energy, eccentric visuals and a nostalgic dose of pop weirdness.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
13 July 2025
Adjective
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Hers is the kind of face that inspires directors to tight framing — gleaming, as if smoothed from marble, and yet somehow pliant, changeful.—
Jordan Kisner Jack Davison,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2022
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Rigorous, blustery winter; winding sleety spring; hot, moist enervating summer; changeful autumn with its dog-days; these are absolutely unknown.—
San Diego Union-Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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While the company claims that garbage pickup is continuing in all affected areas, many residents and businesses report delays and inconsistent service.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
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Biking advocates worry about inconsistent rules across the suburban landscape.—
Paulina Czupryna,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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For manufacturers using Odoo, a strategic approach to agentic AI can help prepare for unstable markets, rising costs, shifting customer demands and hostile geopolitics.—
Dmitriy Stepanov,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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But Haiti remains unstable, Columbus' Manuel said, disputing the government's claim that conditions have improved there.—
Danae King,
USA Today,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Capricious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capricious. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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