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

The climate connection Scientists say these increasingly intense heat domes are not random. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026

Trivia nights, which most pubs run on a weekly rotation, are competitive and collaborative, a great excuse to argue about random facts with a partner or a group. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026

Unlike modern sports trading cards, which are not only hefty but often bedazzled with autographs, jersey patches, and random holograms, the Panini stickers are flimsy and meant to be abused. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 30 June 2026

That’s because Adamala’s team had to create genetic variation synthetically, instead of allowing for random mutations in DNA. — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 1 July 2026

Phrases Containing random

• at random