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 Department of Labor invites people to report embezzlement through its website and performs audits at random and based on complaints. Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 29 May 2025 The new cast of characters replacing Jones at quarterback looks more like a collection of random names with no one person asserting themselves as the obvious alpha and the Giants’ clear best chance to win games in 2025. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025 On the other, random pieces of informational flotsam were elevated to the status of genuine facts only once they were vetted by credentialled people with special access to the truth. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 28 May 2025 Then, the election employees rolled a dice to come up with a random 20-digit seed number. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for random
Recent Examples of Synonyms for random
Adjective
  • Businesses now live in fear of retroactive rulings, arbitrary penalties and endless audits.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The risks include wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure.
    Nick Butler, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Similarly, erratic rainfall patterns in India are threatening crop consistency and farmer livelihoods.
    Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Minnesota is tough as hell, but the defensive pressure the Thunder bring on every possession will be too much for a Timberwolves offense that can be erratic at times.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • If your nightstand, desk, or kitchen counter is full of stray cables, this is an easy and affordable way to get them under control.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 26 May 2025
  • Protect Hardware When Painting Painting can result in a real mess when stray streaks and drips land on handles, knobs, and pulls.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • The coroner found that no foul play was involved, and that his death was accidental.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
  • The accidental shooting unfolded on Wednesday inside an apartment in northeast D.C., located on 1700 block of Benning Road.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on random

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