Synonyms for arbitrary
ˈɑr bɪˌtrɛr iar·bi·tra·ry

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:2.0 / 2 votes

1. arbitrary

   In the strict sense, absolute, free from all limitation or control, and supreme, superior to all, can not properly be said of any being except the divine. Both words are used, however, in a modified sense, of human authorities; absolute then signifying free from limitation by other authority, and supreme exalted over all other; as, an absolute monarch, the supreme court. Absolute, in this use, does not necessarily carry any unfavorable sense, but as absolute power in human hands is always abused, the unfavorable meaning predominates. Autocratic power knows no limits outside the ruler's self; arbitrary power, none outside the ruler's will or judgment, arbitrary carrying the implication of wilfulness and capriciousness. Despotic is commonly applied to a masterful or severe use of power, which is expressed more decidedly by tyrannical. Arbitrary may be used in a good sense; as, the pronunciation of proper names is arbitrary; but the bad sense is the prevailing one; as, an arbitrary proceeding. Irresponsible power is not necessarily bad, but eminently dangerous; an executor or trustee should not be irresponsible; an irresponsible ruler is likely to be tyrannical. A perfect ruler might be irresponsible and not tyrannical. Authoritative is used always in a good sense, implying the right to claim authority; imperative, peremptory, and positive are used ordinarily in the good sense; as, an authoritative definition; an imperative demand; a peremptory command; positive instructions; imperious signifies assuming and determined to command, rigorously requiring obedience. An imperious demand or requirement may have in it nothing offensive; it is simply one that resolutely insists upon compliance, and will not brook refusal; an arrogant demand is offensive by its tone of superiority, an arbitrary demand by its unreasonableness; an imperious disposition is liable to become arbitrary and arrogant. A person of an independent spirit is inclined to resent an imperious manner in any one, especially in one whose superiority is not clearly recognized. Commanding is always used in a good sense; as, a commanding appearance; a commanding eminence. Compare DOGMATIC; INFINITE; PERFECT.

   Synonyms:
   absolute, arrogant, authoritative, autocratic, coercive, commanding, compulsive, compulsory, controlling, despotic, dictatorial, dogmatic, domineering, exacting, haughty, imperative, imperious, irresponsible, lordly, overbearing, peremptory, positive, supreme, tyrannical, unconditional, unequivocal

   Antonyms:
   accountable, complaisant, compliant, conditional, constitutional, contingent, docile, ductile, gentle, humble, lenient, limited, lowly, meek, mild, responsible, submissive, yielding

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:3.0 / 2 votes

1. arbitrary

   Synonyms:
   tyrannical, harsh, dictatorial, imperious, bearing, overbearing, selfish, absolute, irresponsible, tyrannous, domineering, peremptory

   Antonyms:
   mild, modest, lenient, considerate, obliging, limited, equitable, constitutional

Princeton's WordNetRate these antonyms:4.0 / 1 vote

1. arbitraryadjective

   based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice

   "an arbitrary decision"; "the arbitrary rule of a dictator"; "an arbitrary penalty"; "of arbitrary size and shape"; "an arbitrary choice"; "arbitrary division of the group into halves"

   Antonyms:
   unarbitrary, nonarbitrary, prescribed

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. arbitraryadjective

   Synonyms:
   irresponsible, absolute, tyrannical, tyrannous, imperious, domineering, bound by no law

2. arbitraryadjective

   Synonyms:
   optional, voluntary, determined by no rule or principle

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. arbitraryadjective

   Synonyms:
   tyrannical, absolute, imperious, unrestrained, dictatorial

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "arbitrary":

   arbitrariness, capricious, arbitrarily, indiscriminate, random, wanton, abusive, high-handed

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How to use arbitrary in a sentence?

1. Defense Secretary Ash Carter:

   Sequestration is a sudden and arbitrary cut in the defense budget that we can't predict.

2. Prime Minister Viktor Orban:

   The so-called Stop George Soros package of laws is only the latest in a series of such attempts. It has become impossible to protect the security of our operations and our staff in Hungary from arbitrary government interference.

3. Andrew Knapp:

   At the core, we argued that people of ordinary intelligence couldn't understand what kinds of crimes could trigger removal, vague laws lend themselves to arbitrary enforcement, which can be used in a discriminatory way.

4. Jeffrey Gundlach:

   What else do you need to call it an inversion? everyone is parsing all of these little arbitrary things. But we've got an inversion.

5. Margaret Stock:

   The administration is deporting as many criminal aliens as possible for the numbers, but it does n’t take into account military service, most people also don’t understand how complicated immigration law really is and how easy it is to run afoul of these complex laws. Making matters worse, Margaret Stock said, is that defendants in deportation cases are not automatically given attorneys and often ca n’t afford to hire their own, resulting in many being wrongfully deported. Any lawful permanent resident, veteran or not, can be deported upon conviction of a crime that falls under the extremely broad umbrella of a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude. This can be either a misdemeanor or felony, and typically includes anything from assault, fraud and perjury to robbery, theft and bribery. The rulings are often viewed by immigration lawyers as arbitrary and the immigration code now includes scores of petty offenses listed alongside the severe ones, all punishable by deportation. Still, the federal government is very deliberate in its review of cases involving veterans, insisted Gillian Christensen, spokeswoman for the U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement( ICE).