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.

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

These actions, according to the lawsuit, were “ arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, not in accordance with law, and therefore invalid under the Administrative Procedure Act.”

From Salon • Dec. 11, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025

It claimed that it had done nothing wrong, that the regulators were being capricious, and announced no special losses on its $20 billion portfolio of subprime loans.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis