Definition of casualnext
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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 The Bateau Top The bateau neckline (which is slightly wider and sits higher than a scoop-neck) and pointelle details make this casual long sleeve so much cuter. Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026 Across the hall is the more casual Cut Lounge, which is a cocktail bar with small bites. Devorah Lev-Tov, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026 Guests are treated to a variety of different flavors, and the interactive nature of food flights makes for a more casual (yet still delicious) dinner party than a traditional sit-down affair. Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2026 Non-golfing locals frequently opt for Echo Valley membership to gain access to the clubhouse swimming pool and the social advantages of the popular, casual dining options. Des Moines Register, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for casual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for casual
Adjective
  • Double islands have been used to add valuable workspace and storage in open kitchens, as well as to accommodate activities such as informal dining.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) has scouts in different countries monitoring players who are eligible for them from a young age, but Nigeria’s approach is more informal.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Elvyn Yohel Ramos Routt County Investigators also said Ramos filed an insurance claim reporting the fire as accidental.
    Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • In another show, with a lesser writer, such incongruities could be read as character inconsistencies, accidental oversights, mistakes.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Her nonchalant, soft-glam is so perfectly mesmerizing, my TikTok and social media feeds are flooded with tutorials trying to re-create her signature style.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026
  • One fictional and the other real, the drug lords look nonchalant.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • The study made a significant contribution, if not clarification, to this academic niche — medieval migration wasn’t seasonal, nor sporadic and intense.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Trying to keep up with tariff news, especially as a consumer who isn't necessarily an expert in economic policy, can feel like dodging sporadic jump scares.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This season is all about polish meeting performance, with sculptural silhouettes, cozy textures, and sneakers made for all-day, everyday wear.
    Erica Paige, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Designed for everyday homes Water efficiency is a key part of the design.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Not even those who, inspired by occasional bouts of yellow fever, had sure access to fleeting moments of lucidity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Today, occasional direct ferries provide a simpler two-hour crossing.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The engine, freed from its hook by a sudden hard, precise kick, quickly sank into the river, pulling the cord tight and dragging the foreman underwater.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Over the past decade, intermittent mass protests have drawn participants from virtually every socioeconomic class, including ethnic minorities on the periphery of the country, labor movements, women, and bazaaris.
    Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Atkins, keto, South Beach, the Zone, low carb, no carb, ultra-low fat, liquid only, Jillian Michaels, Jane Fonda, Suzanne Somers, full-body HIIT workouts, gym memberships, a YMCA weight coach, DietBet, StepBet, a Mediterranean diet, a vegetarian diet, the raw food diet, intermittent fasting.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Casual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/casual. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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