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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

There’s also a First Amendment claim, and an Administrative Procedure Act claim, which is that the government is acting illegally in an arbitrary and capricious way.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 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

Yossarian was never lonely with Nurse Duckett, who really did know how to keep her mouth shut and was just capricious enough.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller