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. David Dow:

   Their arbitrary and, at least for now, hostile response to all religion reveals a real need for close judicial oversight of the execution protocol.

2. Antony Blinken:

   The footage of this massacre, coupled with the ongoing killing and abuse of countless Syrians, serves as a sobering reminder for why countries should not normalize relations with the Assad regime absent enduring progress towards a political resolution, the United States calls on the Assad regime to cease all violations and abuses of human rights, including but not limited to extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and torture.

3. Steve Trent:

   This cannot be an arbitrary kangaroo court just driven to please the international community at this key time for Thailand. It's got to bring people justice.

4. Arthur Schopenhauer:

   Suffering by nature or chance never seems so painful as suffering inflicted on us by the arbitrary will of another.

5. Samit Aich:

   His (the home minister's) arbitrary attack could set a very dangerous precedent: every Indian civil society group is now on the chopping block.