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

These were authentic—but, after so many generations of semi-random recombination, not all of the Hemings descendants had enough genetic overlap with Thomas to definitively rule out Randolph. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Unlike most museums that try to educate you with big blocks of wall text and QR code deep dives, the Lucas Museum is just fun, with free-flowing galleries that encourage random exploration. — Rakesh Agrawal, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

That comment seems too pointed to be random, and now he’s grown into an All-American kid? — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Sep. 2026

Mathematicians were also curious about random graphs in which all vertices have the same number of edges. — Paulina Rowińska, Quanta Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing random

• at random