RANDOM Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'random' distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words casual and haphazard are common synonyms of random . While all three words mean "determined by accident rather than design," random stresses lack of definite aim, fixed goal, or regular procedure. // a random selection of books

Q: When is 'casual' a more appropriate choice than 'random'?

While in some cases nearly identical to random , casual suggests working or acting without deliberation, intention, or purpose. // a casual collector

Q: When is it sensible to use 'haphazard' instead of 'random'?

Although the words haphazard and random have much in common, haphazard applies to what is done without regard for regularity or fitness or ultimate consequence. // a haphazard collection of rocks

random

adjective

ˈran-dəm

Definition of random next

as in scattered

lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern since we were new in town, our choice of a vet for our dog was entirely random

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word random distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words casual and haphazard are common synonyms of random. While all three words mean "determined by accident rather than design," random stresses lack of definite aim, fixed goal, or regular procedure.

a random selection of books

When is casual a more appropriate choice than random?

While in some cases nearly identical to random, casual suggests working or acting without deliberation, intention, or purpose.

a casual collector

When is it sensible to use haphazard instead of random?

Although the words haphazard and random have much in common, haphazard applies to what is done without regard for regularity or fitness or ultimate consequence.

a haphazard collection of rocks

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of random Tenants at the time included consulting and law firms, financial advisory and investment firms, as well as the usual mélange of random, oddball businesses. —

Kim Velsey, Curbed, 19 Dec. 2024 There’s also her nearly lifelong struggle with Lyme disease (which was undiagnosed for decades), the hate mail and random abuse her ideas and stances have earned, and, of course, being physically attacked by Courtney Love at Lollapalooza in 1995. —

Jem Aswad, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024 There's sure to be dozens of new deck options with these new cards, and more importantly, plenty to collect through the random pack pulls in-game. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 The Chargers coach’s daily ritual of inviting one player or coach at random to address the team after practice was first met with confusion and stress. —

Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for random

Recent Examples of Synonyms for random

Adjective

Get the ring that’s perfect for the woman, not the ring whose price tag aligns with an arbitrary algorithm. 18.

Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024
After all, so many of the norms that make disability so inconvenient—font sizes, the height at which a drawing is hung—are utterly arbitrary, and so can be reinvented.

Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 17 Dec. 2024