capricious

[kuh-prish-uhs, -pree-shuhs] / kəˈprɪʃ əs, -ˈpri ʃəs /

ADJECTIVE

given to sudden behavior change

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arbitrary careless erratic fickle flighty helter-skelter impulsive quirky temperamental unpredictable unreasonable unstable volatile wayward whimsical

WEAK

any way the wind blows blowing hot and cold changeful contrary crotchety effervescent every which way fanciful fitful flaky freakish gaga humorsome inconstant kinky lubricious mercurial moody mutable notional odd picky punchy ticklish up and down vagarious variable yo-yo

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cautious constant predictable reasonable reliable sensible stable steady thoughtful unchanging

WEAK

dependable staid steadfast

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"USCIS's actions are contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious."

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

There are many cases, in the arbitrary, capricious death penalty system, where clemency is appropriate.

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2026

On Monday, Massachusetts district court judge Patti B Saris vacated Trump's order, saying it was "arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law".

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2025

His unofficial retirement was partly chosen, partly imposed by a capricious industry.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025

“Chaplain,” he announced with magisterial rigidity, “we charge you formally with being Washington Irving and taking capricious and unlicensed liberties in censoring the letters of officers and enlisted men. Are you guilty or innocent?”

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Vocabulary lists containing capricious

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