Synonyms of arbitrary

arbitrary

adjective

ˈär-bə-ˌtrer-ē 

1

as in arrogant

having or showing a tendency to force one's will on others without any regard to fairness or necessity

an arbitrary piano teacher who makes all her students do the same exercises over and over again

Synonyms & Similar Words

• arrogant
• unfair
• inconsistent
• unreasonable
• authoritarian
• dominant
• dictatorial
• imperious
• unjust
• willful
• peremptory
• domineering
• high-handed
• commanding
• unequal
• capricious
• totalitarian
• tyrannical
• erratic
• overbearing
• despotic
• demanding
• autocratic
• whimsical
• presumptuous
• partisan
• inequitable
• haughty
• unrealistic
• imperative
• mercurial
• biased
• changeable
• unprincipled
• unscrupulous
• masterful
• unconscionable
• tyrannous
• unethical
• lordly
• prejudiced

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• equal
• equitable
• objective
• reasonable
• fair
• impartial
• balanced
• rational
• just
• dispassionate
• disinterested
• evenhanded
• nonpartisan
• understanding
• moral
• unbiased
• unprejudiced
• ethical
• honorable
• unimpeachable
• principled
• irreproachable
• law-abiding

2

as in random

lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern

the order of the names of the 10 semifinalists is entirely arbitrary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• random
• scattered
• erratic
• accidental
• haphazard
• stray
• sporadic
• lucky
• contingent
• aimless
• casual
• odd
• desultory
• irregular
• slapdash
• hit-or-miss
• incidental
• chance
• inadvertent
• helter-skelter
• catch-as-catch-can
• indiscriminate
• unintentional
• fortuitous
• unintended
• unplanned
• spot
• unconsidered
• unsystematic
• unpremeditated
• purposeless
• shotgun
• directionless
• scattershot
• undirected
• disorganized
• chancy
• fluky
• disorderly
• undiscriminating
• objectless
• unselective

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• systematic
• regular
• regular
• orderly
• continuous
• constant
• fixed
• stable
• organized
• steady
• nonrandom
• established
• methodical
• systematized
• even
• set
• arranged
• deliberate
• conscious
• aware
• planned
• purposeful
• ordered
• willful
• thoughtful
• managed
• orchestrated

3

as in oppressive

exercising power or authority without interference by others

a nation with no tradition of democracy, only a long history of arbitrary rulers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• oppressive
• authoritarian
• tyrannical
• despotic
• autocratic
• dictatorial
• absolute
• tyrannous
• domineering
• czarist
• monocratic
• totalitarian
• antidemocratic
• imperious
• sovereign
• magisterial
• autonomous
• omnipotent
• all-powerful
• unconditional
• high-handed
• unlimited
• jackbooted
• almighty
• antirepublican
• masterful
• self-governing
• self-ruling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• limited
• constitutional
• restricted
• lawful
• democratic
• circumscribed
• restrained
• republican

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of arbitrary

The framework in the Clarity Act can ensure entrepreneurs feel confident in creating jobs and building businesses without fear of arbitrary or unexplained crackdowns. — Patrick McHenry, Fortune, 16 July 2026

While American fans were glad to have him back, the arbitrary way this decision was reached undermines the integrity of the sport. — Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

Judge Christopher Wagner said Thursday the NCAA eligibility rules have been applied in an arbitrary and capricious manner. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

The public enemy is not a character in the drama of the American legal system, which stands solidly atop a foundation of justice, and not arbitrary power and indiscriminate retribution. — David B McGarry, Oc Register, 8 July 2026

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