Synonyms of crotchet

crotchet

noun

ˈkrä-chət 

as in trick

an odd or peculiar habit

her one crotchet is a fondness for eating cookies while soaking in the tub

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trick
• trait
• characteristic
• mannerism
• habit
• tic
• twist
• quirk
• eccentricity
• peculiarity
• idiosyncrasy
• singularity
• individualism
• pattern
• kink
• quip
• oddity
• quiddity
• curiosity
• attribute
• affectation
• tendency
• practice
• character
• attitude
• erraticism
• property
• airs
• custom
• personality
• addiction
• way
• penchant
• mark
• inclination
• temperament
• wont
• proclivity
• predilection
• abnormality
• bent
• perversion
• propensity
• neuroticism
• genius
• predisposition
• disposition
• identity
• partiality
• humor
• turn
• individuality
• weirdness
• nature
• leaning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conformity
• sameness

Synonym Chooser

How is the word crotchet distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of crotchet are caprice, vagary, and whim. While all these words mean "an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire," crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference.

a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

When would caprice be a good substitute for crotchet?

The words caprice and crotchet are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness.

by sheer caprice she quit her job

When is vagary a more appropriate choice than crotchet?

In some situations, the words vagary and crotchet are roughly equivalent. However, vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire.

he had been prone to strange vagaries

Where would whim be a reasonable alternative to crotchet?

While the synonyms whim and crotchet are close in meaning, whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination.

an odd antique that was bought on a whim

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of crotchet

Think outside the box All book collectors develop distinctive crotchets. —Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024

The origins of brackets — once referred to as crotchets, crooks, or hooks — are a mystery. —Sarah Fay, Longreads, 17 Mar. 2020

Among his other crotchets was an aversion to bare canvas. —Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 7 May 2018

Maxine attended to his every whim and crotchet, never lost faith in his brilliance or potential, and delighted in surrounding him with exactly the sort of frivolous company his wife abhorred. —Sadie Stein, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2017