How would you describe something characterized by or subject to whim?

The term "capricious" accurately describes something that is characterized by or subject to whim. It refers to behavior that is impulsive or unpredictable, often changing suddenly without apparent reason. This concept is rooted in the idea of caprice, which is a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior.

In context, the word "capricious" often conveys the notion of lightheartedness in its changefulness, suggesting that these changes might be playful or whimsical rather than stemming from serious or heavy considerations. This term is commonly used in literature, law, and everyday speech to describe decisions, actions, or personalities that are mercurial and lack consistency.

On the other hand, although "changeable," "random," and "erratic" share similarities in suggesting variability or unpredictability, they do not capture the nuanced connotation of whimsy and playfulness inherent in "capricious." "Changeable" implies a capacity for change but does not necessarily carry the connotation of whimsy. "Random" often refers to something that occurs without method or deliberate plan, which may entail a lack of structure rather than the whimsical quality of change. "Erratic" suggests a more severe deviation from the norm, hinting at inconsistency