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

Quantum chips seal deal The team intentionally selected measurement settings using an imperfect random number generator. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026

While these numbers may seem random at first glance, a quantum computer would be able to recognize even the most obscure patterns and thus crack the code. —Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 27 May 2026

Excavations started at random within the prison and its grounds, leading to the destruction of parts of the building and of material evidence that could have been of critical importance in documenting crimes and in future court cases. —Amer Matar, The Dial, 26 May 2026

No Friends, No Chaos Talent and crew cannot bring random buddies unless those buddies are actually in the film. —Chris Cardillo, Rolling Stone, 26 May 2026

Phrases Containing random

• at random