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 The reveal comes shortly after the announcement that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will feature a four-player real-time competitive battle mode, with players able to compete against friends or random players both in-person and online. Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025 André and English claim that the stops are not random or consensual and that the police program specifically targets Black passengers and other passengers of color, according to the court opinion. Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2025 This post isn’t for you — feel free to click back and find something else Gary …er, random reader. Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025 In case of doubt, competent authorities may carry out random on-site inspections of cybersecurity standards in the companies, for which the management can be held liable. Dennis-Kenji Kipker, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for random
Recent Examples of Synonyms for random
Adjective
  • Earlier this summer, U.S. District Judge William Young in Massachusetts sided with the challengers, calling the abrupt NIH cancellations arbitrary and discriminatory.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Kavanaugh was the only one to address whether the government's policy was arbitrary and capricious.
    John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The tech industry can be easy to hate—the erratic CEOs, the biased algorithms, the environmental damage.
    Sarah Rose Etter, The Atlantic, 6 Aug. 2025
  • As observed through their youngest daughter as the film’s protagonist, a family of six’s move to a new home seems to trigger erratic, dangerous behavior in their oldest son.
    Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The 27-year-old was struck by a stray bullet while in her car on Aug. 15.
    Luke Chinman, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The organization 72 Acts of Kindness, named in honor of Colin Brown, who was killed by a stray bullet on the way home from a hockey game, made both a financial contribution and donated candy to sell.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Surveillance video confirmed the fall was accidental.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Hospital death ruled accidental An inquest jury ruled recently that the death of Chelsea Adolphus was accidental after hearing testimony about her death on the roof of a Waukegan hospital.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.

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