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.

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

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2026

The venture's legal brief described the suspension order as "arbitrary and capricious."

From Barron's • Jan. 15, 2026

What will June bring at the venerable but capricious Long Island venue?

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

Meanwhile, media overseas have been bombarded with stories of capricious denials and detentions at U.S. border crossings.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025

Darwin had called these variants “sports,” implying a streak of capricious whimsy in the natural world.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Vocabulary lists containing capricious

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Things Fall Apart

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Esperanza Rising

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!