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. Patrick Gaspard:

   The government of Hungary has denigrated and misrepresented our work and repressed civil society for the sake of political gain, using tactics unprecedented in the history of the European Union, 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.

2. Hank Campbell:

   Basically, CDC created an arbitrary standard that the rest of the world refuses to recognize as valid, the government hoped to scare people into changing their diets.

3. Maria Montessori:

   If an educational act is to be efficacious, it will be only that one which tends to help toward the complete unfolding of life. To be thus helpful it is necessary rigorously to avoid the arrest of spontaneous movements and the imposition of arbitrary tasks.

4. Douglas White:

   But the only thing worse than developing a clear allocation framework is not developing one, because then decisions made during a crisis will be biased and arbitrary.

5. Clifton Fadiman:

   To divide one's life by years is of course to tumble into a trap set by our own arithmetic. The calendar consents to carry on its dull wall-existence by the arbitrary timetables we have drawn up in consultation with those permanent commuters, Earth and Sun. But we, unlike trees, need grow no annual rings.