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 Another victim was driving through the parking lot and was shot and killed by the suspect at random. Tristan Maglunog, ABC News, 28 July 2025 Under the Boater Freedom Act, the wildlife commission and other law enforcement are no longer allowed to stop or board a vessel without probable cause, including for random safety inspections. Teghan Simonton, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 July 2025 Bradford James Gille, 42, entered a Walmart on Saturday afternoon, waited inside for 35 minutes, then allegedly began stabbing random strangers with a foldable knife, authorities said. Jade Walker, CNN Money, 28 July 2025 Police on Sunday identified the 42-year-old man accused of wounding 11 people in a random stabbing spree at a Walmart in Michigan. Stephen Sorace , Greg Wehner , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for random
Recent Examples of Synonyms for random
Adjective
  • The Florida court contrived a weird and arbitrary compromise, granting new sentencing hearings only to death row prisoners whose sentences were considered final after 2002, when the U.S. court issued a decision that was a precursor to Hurst’s.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 July 2025
  • Ultimately, Bae acknowledges, these classifications are somewhat arbitrary.
    Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Even if that happens, however, Sternberg would still receive the 2025 World Series trophy if the Rays rebound from an erratic first half to win their first world championship.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • There is yet another small chance for thunderstorms this afternoon, ten percent likelihood or less, with the main threats of any storms that are able to develop being lightning and gusty and erratic outflow winds.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2025
Adjective
  • The search took a sinister turn when a stray pit bull was shot by a man who believed the dog was the lion, officials said.
    Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 27 July 2025
  • Of animals that entered shelters, 60 percent were stray.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • Because many multivitamins contain these nutrients, check labels to avoid accidental overconsumption.
    Patricia Weiser, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025
  • Despite suspicions of foul play from both U.S. and Zambian officials, local police declared Bianca’s death the result of an accidental discharge of a firearm.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.

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