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vagary

noun
va·​ga·​ry | \ ˈvā-gə-rē How to pronounce vagary (audio) ; və-ˈger-ē, vā- How to pronounce vagary (audio) ; also ˈva-gə-rē How to pronounce vagary (audio) \
plural vagaries

Definition of vagary

: an erratic, unpredictable, or extravagant manifestation, action, or notion
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym The Wandering History of Vagary Example Sentences Learn More about vagary

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Choose the Right Synonym for vagary

caprice, whim, vagary, crotchet mean an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire. caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness. by sheer caprice she quit her job whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination. an odd antique that was bought on a whim vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire. he had been prone to strange vagaries crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference. a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

The Wandering History of Vagary

In the 16th century, if you "made a vagary" you took a wandering journey, or you figuratively wandered from a correct path by committing some minor offense. If you spoke or wrote vagaries, you wandered from a main subject. These senses hadn't strayed far from their origin, as vagary is probably based on Latin vagari, meaning "to wander." Indeed, in the 16th and 17th centuries there was even an English verb vagary that meant "to wander." Nowadays, the noun vagary is mostly used in its plural form, and vagaries have more to do with unpredictability than with wandering.

Examples of vagary in a Sentence

the vagaries of a rather eccentric, elderly lady

Recent Examples on the Web

 Hashizume had the power and clarity to overcome the vagaries of wind, traffic and boat horns and send each aria to the audience’s ears with emotional impact intact. — Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, "Review: Picnic Operetta rocks up Mozart, but the beauty comes through," 17 Aug. 2019 With 420 miles of coastline, Rhode Island is particularly vulnerable to the vagaries of the Gulf Stream, a massive warm current that travels up the East Coast from the Gulf of Mexico before making a right turn toward Greenland and Europe. — Anchorage Daily News, "Extreme climate change has arrived in America. Here are the fastest-warming places.," 13 Aug. 2019 Our guide began with a capsule history, explaining how the former Dutch farming community of Nieuw Haarlem has seen its fortunes rise and fall with the vagaries of history and real estate. — Elizabeth Chang, Twin Cities, "Harlem’s 125th Street is the gateway to new corners of Manhattan," 3 Aug. 2019 For all his commercial and artistic triumphs, Prince was deeply philosophical about the vagaries of success in the theater. — Todd S. Purdum, The Atlantic, "The Man Who Transformed Broadway," 1 Aug. 2019 His surprise victory took perfect advantage of the vagaries of the electoral vote system, even as the margin in the popular vote was razor-thin in favor of Clinton. — Quanta Magazine, "Why (Almost) Everyone Was Wrong," 9 Nov. 2016 This column is a great space to explore the vagaries of the human condition. — Amy Dickinson, The Denver Post, "Ask Amy: Correcting the record on ammo and guns," 1 July 2019 This column is a great space to explore the vagaries of the human condition. — Amy Dickinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Ask Amy: Correcting the record on ammo and guns," 30 June 2019 This column is a great space to explore the vagaries of the human condition. — Amy Dickinson, chicagotribune.com, "Correcting the record on ammo and guns," 27 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vagary.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of vagary

1579, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for vagary

perhaps borrowed from Latin vagārī "to wander, roam" — more at vagabond entry 2

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More from Merriam-Webster on vagary

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with vagary

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for vagary

Spanish Central: Translation of vagary

Nglish: Translation of vagary for Spanish Speakers

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