Synonyms

capriciousness

American

[kuh-prish-uhs-nis, -pree-shuhs-] / kəˈprɪʃ əs nɪs, -ˈpri ʃəs- /

noun

the quality of being led by or subject to sudden, odd notions or changes; arbitrary or erratic character.

Some countries have gone to great lengths to build up a war chest of reserves to insure against the capriciousness of foreign investors.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of capriciousness

First recorded in 1600–10; capricious ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

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.

Capriciousness is where Reijn’s movie sets itself apart from any other flick that touches on similar subject matter — particularly the “Fifty Shades” series, which may be the most obvious comparison.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2024

Capriciousness and gratuitous cruelty are just as likely to greet the unsuspecting intruder as are delight and good fortune.

From Time Magazine Archive

Experienced was he, beyond all doubt, in their pretty tricks, and foibles, since he had ever been a diligent student of Feminine Capriciousness when the "Merry Monarch" ruled the land.

From The Money Moon A Romance by Farnol, Jeffery

Capriciousness of taste in the birds themselves appears a more fitting explanation.

From The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex Volume II (1st Edition) by Darwin, Charles

Capriciousness and great dissatisfaction with myself and life generally.

From Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 2 Sexual Inversion by Ellis, Havelock

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023