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. Denis Diderot:

   The arbitrary rule of a just and enlightened prince is always bad. His virtues are the most dangerous and the surest form of seduction: they lull a people imperceptibly into the habit of loving, respecting, and serving his successor, whoever that successor may be, no matter how wicked or stupid.

2. Composition Joy Karega:

   I will challenge the college’s decision and assault on my substantive rights through all the avenues I have available to me, the Oberlin community doesn’t deserve this racist, arbitrary attack which has damaged the name and reputation of ‘Oberlin.’.

3. Abbie Hoffman, Steal This Urine Test:

   Understand that legal and illegal are political, and often arbitrary, categorizations; use and abuse are medical, or clinical, distinctions.

4. Greg Guma:

   Around the world, the message received is that, whoever wins [the U.S. election], expect only more of the same - national narcissism disguised as altruism, corporate appeasement, and the arbitrary use of U.S. military and economic might.

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.