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.

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

Such arrests appear arbitrary and capricious, and are unlikely to survive scrutiny by the courts, Judge Pitts ruled Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2025

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

Sometimes, however, possibly when my Muse was being capricious, I set aside my paints and drew cartoons.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger

Vocabulary lists containing capricious

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