Cryptic crossword clue
Capricious Rita messed with Barry 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ARBITRARY

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
R
B
I
T
R
A
R
Y

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Capricious" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case capricious = arbitrary.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does ARBITRARY mean?

ARBITRARY noun
  1. Anything arbitrary, such as an arithmetical value or a fee.
ARBITRARY adjective
  1. (usually of a decision) Based on individual discretion or judgment; not based on any objective distinction, perhaps even made at random.
  2. Determined by impulse rather than reason; heavy-handed.
  3. Any, out of all that are possible.
  4. Determined by independent arbiter.
  5. Not representative or symbolic; not iconic.

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