CASUAL Synonyms: 212 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'casual' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of casual are accidental , contingent , and fortuitous . While all these words mean "not amenable to planning or prediction," casual stresses lack of real or apparent premeditation or intent. // a casual encounter with a stranger

Q: When might 'accidental' be a better fit than 'casual'?

The synonyms accidental and casual are sometimes interchangeable, but accidental stresses chance. // any resemblance to actual persons is entirely accidental

Q: In what contexts can 'contingent' take the place of 'casual'?

While in some cases nearly identical to casual , contingent suggests possibility of happening but stresses uncertainty and dependence on other future events for existence or occurrence. // the contingent effects of the proposed law

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fortuitous' instead of 'casual'?

Although the words fortuitous and casual have much in common, fortuitous so strongly suggests chance that it often connotes entire absence of cause. // a series of fortuitous events

casual

adjective

ˈkazh-wəl

Definition of casual next

as in informal

not designed to be worn only on special occasions a restaurant where people in casual clothes are always welcome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in accidental

happening by chance a casual meeting with the next-door neighbors on a beach in Hawaii

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nonchalant

having or showing a lack of interest or concern only a casual examination of the bicycle before buying it

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as in sporadic

lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence a casual attendance at their son's hockey games

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective casual differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of casual are accidental, contingent, and fortuitous. While all these words mean "not amenable to planning or prediction," casual stresses lack of real or apparent premeditation or intent.

a casual encounter with a stranger

When might accidental be a better fit than casual?

The synonyms accidental and casual are sometimes interchangeable, but accidental stresses chance.

any resemblance to actual persons is entirely accidental

In what contexts can contingent take the place of casual?

While in some cases nearly identical to casual, contingent suggests possibility of happening but stresses uncertainty and dependence on other future events for existence or occurrence.

the contingent effects of the proposed law

When is it sensible to use fortuitous instead of casual?

Although the words fortuitous and casual have much in common, fortuitous so strongly suggests chance that it often connotes entire absence of cause.

a series of fortuitous events

Examples 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 casual Shots of Ali sleeping may initially appear like casual transitions, but the significance of these naps and the realm of dreams as another space where people get to experience other lives bookend the picture. —

Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025 While Culkin kept it casual and on-brand in double denim, Song provided a master class in sports-fan fashion. —

Sam Reed, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2025 Practice Restaurant Behavior Beforehand Practicing restaurant behavior beforehand can be helpful, and doing so at a casual restaurant—before trying a more upscale one—is a good way to practice, recommends Whitmore. —

wendy Wisner, Parents, 24 Jan. 2025 Time and Tru Jogger Sneakers Sure, having sneakers for running, walking, travel, and more is important, but don’t overlook an everyday pair that can be worn with casual loungewear or jeans and a blazer. —

Lauren Fischer, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for casual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for casual

Adjective

Week In Review: Trump’s Cabinet Picks Is Our Favorite New Reality Show By Katherine Fung Senior Writer 0 For the first time in eight years—almost to the day—The Celebrity Apprentice will make an informal return to American audiences.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Getting the right help to where it’s needed Every study of a large-scale disaster conducted by the Disaster Research Center has revealed some level of emergent, informal helping behavior.

— James Kendra, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2025