capricious

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.

In her ruling, she said the government's designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk was "likely both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious."

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

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

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2026

The Reichstag, or national parliament, was grossly gerrymandered in favor of the upper classes, and the government was not responsible to its lawmakers, but rather to a capricious monarch.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2025

Depending on the era and zeitgeist, the heavenly strangers gazing down upon us in judgment could be anyone from Zeus to “Dr. Who’s” Zygons, and their interest in us capricious or cruel or kind.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2025

Storms are less fickle than they are, seas less capricious.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black