CASUAL Synonyms: 212 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'casual' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of casual are accidental , contingent , and fortuitous . While all these words mean "not amenable to planning or prediction," casual stresses lack of real or apparent premeditation or intent. // a casual encounter with a stranger

Q: When might 'accidental' be a better fit than 'casual'?

The synonyms accidental and casual are sometimes interchangeable, but accidental stresses chance. // any resemblance to actual persons is entirely accidental

Q: In what contexts can 'contingent' take the place of 'casual'?

While in some cases nearly identical to casual , contingent suggests possibility of happening but stresses uncertainty and dependence on other future events for existence or occurrence. // the contingent effects of the proposed law

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fortuitous' instead of 'casual'?

Although the words fortuitous and casual have much in common, fortuitous so strongly suggests chance that it often connotes entire absence of cause. // a series of fortuitous events

casual

adjective

ˈkazh-wəl

Definition of casual next

as in informal

not designed to be worn only on special occasions a restaurant where people in casual clothes are always welcome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in accidental

happening by chance a casual meeting with the next-door neighbors on a beach in Hawaii

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nonchalant

having or showing a lack of interest or concern only a casual examination of the bicycle before buying it

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as in sporadic

lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence a casual attendance at their son's hockey games

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective casual differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of casual are accidental, contingent, and fortuitous. While all these words mean "not amenable to planning or prediction," casual stresses lack of real or apparent premeditation or intent.

a casual encounter with a stranger

When might accidental be a better fit than casual?

The synonyms accidental and casual are sometimes interchangeable, but accidental stresses chance.

any resemblance to actual persons is entirely accidental

In what contexts can contingent take the place of casual?

While in some cases nearly identical to casual, contingent suggests possibility of happening but stresses uncertainty and dependence on other future events for existence or occurrence.

the contingent effects of the proposed law

When is it sensible to use fortuitous instead of casual?

Although the words fortuitous and casual have much in common, fortuitous so strongly suggests chance that it often connotes entire absence of cause.

a series of fortuitous events

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 casual Elordi kept things fairly casual with his outfit, choosing a gray sweater, black slacks, and a pair of black loafers. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025 Dress it up with a pair of heeled booties or keep things casual with your go-to sneakers for long days of exploring. —

Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2025 Yet the intention of all this is the same: to create a world that’s considered and thoughtful but also casual and easy. —

Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025 The show was a notable one for fashion enthusiasts and casual style lovers alike, marking Rogers' return to the NYFW calendar after five years. —

Anika Reed, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for casual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for casual

Adjective

Her informal show-and-tell presentation came at a time when Super Bowl tickets had ballooned past $100 per seat.

— Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
Zoom in: The question of whether to form a formal Jewish Caucus has been a point of contention for years among Jewish lawmakers, who have often met as an informal Jewish members' working group.

— Andrew Solender, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025