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
  • In the year before she was killed, Mary had called BSO 14 times regarding Nathan’s threats and increasingly erratic behavior, according to a log of BSO calls that the Herald reviewed.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025
  • And as it’s been for most of the last few weeks, the market’s slide on Tuesday was erratic and dizzying.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • On Friday, automatic gunshots could be heard throughout Port-au-Prince where people brave enough to take to the streets were ducking stray bullets — even in restaurants.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The wife and mother was killed by a stray bullet while in her back yard in the 3900 block of Frisco Avenue.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The review found that many of the deaths reported to VAERS claiming to be linked to the MMR included children who has serious underlying medical conditions or had deaths that were unrelated to the vaccine, including accidental deaths.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Authorities are urging residents to stay updated with NWS alerts and follow all fire safety guidelines to prevent accidental wildfires.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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