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 Cupp returned to the residence to have some random brief chat with the POTUS’ mother-in-law Nan Cox (Jane Curtin). Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2025 The thicker consistency and vanilla sweet cream on top elevate the flavors to something more well-rounded, rather than the random bursts of sweet boba in the otherwise too-watery refresher. Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025 Despite this apparently being his first offense, prosecutors requested he be held without bail given his attempt to flee and the terrifying random nature of the attack, which was witnessed by several people. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 3 July 2025 Wright said investigators collected evidence and processed the scene, finding that the stabbings did not appear to be a random act. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for random
Recent Examples of Synonyms for random
Adjective
  • These seemingly arbitrary small items are essentially sweeteners to win over lawmakers who might quibble with the broader thrust of the legislation.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • Regardless, the court continues to find that the government's actions were arbitrary and capricious, in part because the government never bothered to define the problems that would get a grant canceled.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • The plane made erratic maneuvers and several mayday calls before disappearing, the report said.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
  • China’s export growth has shown some resilience in recent months, even as the erratic U.S. tariff policies disrupted global trade.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • An off-duty Fort Worth police officer’s personal vehicle was struck by a stray bullet when some teens were firing shots northwest of downtown early Sunday morning, police said.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2025
  • Detectives initially thought Powell was an innocent bystander hit by a stray bullet, but soon found an eyewitness who saw Powell arguing with a man moments before she was killed, a police source with knowledge of the investigation said.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Insider threats—whether malicious or accidental—are the Trojan Horse of modern cybersecurity.
    Muhi S. Majzoub, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Her manner of death was determined to be accidental.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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