What does "caprice" mean?
An impulsive, seemingly unmotivated action, change of mind, or notion.
Caprice
/kəˈpɹiːs/ name, noun
name, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An impulsive, seemingly unmotivated action, change of mind, or notion.
- Grammar: caprice is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: impulse, whim, arbitrariness, arbitrary judgment.
- Useful contrasts: social fairness, most political policy, arbiters.
- Usage evidence: It was simply caprice that led them to shoplift.
How to use "caprice"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "caprice" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "caprice" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "caprice" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "caprice" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "caprice" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "impulse" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "caprice", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An impulsive, seemingly unmotivated action, change of mind, or notion.
"Though more thoughtful than Madame de Mercœur, yet it asked far more knowledge of society—that wilderness of small intricacies—for her to penetrate into the motives of those who seemed so suddenly struck with her fascination; but she was too clear-headed to be deceived, and set it all down under one general belief in caprice."
- 2 a sudden desire wordnet
- 3 A brief romance.
"The only difference between a caprice and a life-long passion is that a caprice lasts a little longer."
- 4 An unpredictable or sudden condition, change, or series of changes.
"After that we cast off all allegiance to immediate, tangible, and time-touched things, and entered a fantastic world of hushed unreality in which the narrow, ribbon-like road rose and fell and curved with an almost sentient and purposeful caprice amidst the tenantless green peaks and half-deserted valleys"
- 5 A disposition to be impulsive.
"Yet, Britain, vvhence this Caprice of thy Sons, / VVhich thro' their various ranks vvith fury runs? / The cauſe is plain, a cauſe vvhich vve muſt bleſs; / For Caprice is the Daughter of Succeſs, […]"
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A capriccio.
Proper Noun
- 1 A female given name.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"It was simply caprice that led them to shoplift."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "caprice"?
Common synonyms include: impulse, whim, arbitrariness, arbitrary judgment, bee, boutade.
How do you use "caprice" in a sentence?
It was simply caprice that led them to shoplift.
How do you pronounce "caprice"?
Pronounced /kəˈpɹiːs/.
Etymology
Borrowed from French caprice, from Italian capriccio, from caporiccio (“fright, sudden start”). Doublet of capriccio.