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

Example 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 The Olduvai Gorge bones, however, don’t appear to have been shaped at random, but instead display a uniformity indicating a practiced methodology and strategy. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2025 In reality, some people may get creeped out by a random stranger gawking and exuding serial killer vibes. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Mar. 2025 Sometimes these recurring dream themes may feel random. Stacey Colino, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025 If sharks are going to be fed, the nutritional quality of the food needs to be considered — random scraps are not be a suitable replacement for their natural diet! Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for random
Recent Examples of Synonyms for random
Adjective
  • Eversource is asking the court to overturn a 2023 PURA decision that the company claims was based on an arbitrary application of regulatory law and intended to reach a pre-determined decision to slash its rates.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Many of those firings have prompted lawsuits parallel to Dellinger’s that challenge the legality of Trump bypassing language in statutes, including provisions that protect employees at independent agencies from politicized or arbitrary firings.
    Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • His career arc was atypically jagged and erratic for a pop singer, starting at an unnaturally young age and continuing for decades, but rarely for more than a hit song at a time, and often with many fallow years coming in between them.
    Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Deepfake films, for example, frequently feature odd blinking patterns, erratic lighting and inconsistent facial expressions.
    Rohan Pinto, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • On the night of Feb. 22, a 36-year-old mother of two was killed in the back yard of her home when a stray bullet hit her.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Also, living in groups might play a role as there are more feral cat colonies in the U.S. than packs of stray dogs.
    Kff Health News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Cena later handed that watch over to Scott, who entered the fray and started unwinding on Rhodes; wrestling fans on social media are debating whether Scott made actual (and accidental) contact with the bloodied Rhodes, who seemed to genuinely wince after Scott’s punches.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2025
  • It will be laid on the seabed to a depth of up to 4.3 miles (7 km), with some lengths in shallow waters being buried to protect against accidental or intentional interference.
    David Szondy, New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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