Synonyms of random

random

adjective

ˈran-dəm 

as in scattered

lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern

since we were new in town, our choice of a vet for our dog was entirely random

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of random

If necessary, tiebreakers include head-to-head matchups, point differential, total points and, if needed, a random drawing. — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 15 July 2026

The department has the power to conduct random financial audits of private schools, mandate that the schools report their tuition and fees and require schools to measure student achievement with tests of their choosing, but little else. — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 15 July 2026

The TikTok trend encourages participants to kick or bang aggressively on random residential doors — often at night — before running away. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

The Jays hoped previous Cy Young Award winners Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer could bolster the rotation, mitigating José Berríos’ injury risk and covering for random events like Cody Ponce’s season-ending knee injury. — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Phrases Containing random

• at random