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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.

That’s a quintessential example of an agency action that’s unlawfully arbitrary and capricious.

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

Meanwhile, media overseas have been bombarded with stories of capricious denials and detentions at U.S. border crossings.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025

Arms are as capricious as the desert, and, if they are not used, the next time they might not function.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.