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Showing results for capricious. Search instead for capriciou.
Definitions

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.

Immigration advocates challenge ICE’s policy governing these arrests, arguing, among other things, that it was arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025

Of course which of these she is at any particular moment would not be random or capricious — it would depend on who she is with, when, how, and much, much more.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell