a sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained, a fanciful or odd idea

at the whim of someone, whim of fate, whim of nature

whim of iron, whim-wham, on a whim

Formal and Informal Expressions of whim

In different contexts, you can replace 'whim' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'caprice, impulse' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'fancy, notion' is a commonplace synonym.

whim: Explore its Definition & Usage

whim Definition

1a sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained
2a fanciful or odd idea

Using whim: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "whim" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
On a whim, she decided to quit her job and travel the world.
Example
He bought the car on a whim without really thinking it through.
Example
The decision was made on a whim and had no real basis in logic or reason.

whim Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for whim

Antonyms for whim

reason
rationality

Idioms Using whim

at the whim of someone
completely under the control or power of someone else
Example
The employees were at the whim of their boss, who could fire them at any time.
whim of fate
an unpredictable or unexpected event or outcome
Example
Their meeting was a mere whim of fate, but it changed their lives forever.
whim of nature
an unpredictable or uncontrollable natural occurrence
Example
The tornado was a whim of nature that destroyed everything in its path.

Phrases with whim

whim of iron
an unyielding or inflexible determination or willpower
Example
Despite his age, he still has a whim of iron and refuses to retire.
whim-wham
a frivolous or fanciful object or trinket
Example
Her room was filled with all sorts of whims-whams and knick-knacks.
on a whim
acting impulsively or without much thought
Example
She decided to dye her hair pink on a whim.

Origins of whim

from Old English 'hwim', meaning 'a whimper'

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Summary: whim in Brief

The term 'whim' [wɪm] refers to sudden, unusual, or unexplained desires or changes of mind. It can also denote fanciful or odd ideas, as in 'He had a whim to start a circus.' The phrase 'on a whim' implies acting impulsively, while idioms like 'at the whim of someone' suggest being completely under someone's control. 'Whim' extends into phrases like 'whim of fate,' denoting unpredictable events, and 'whim of nature,' referring to uncontrollable natural occurrences.