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

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in accidental

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example 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 Yes; multiple dining options, casual entertainment, plenty of room to spread out, and easy transportation make this one of the easiest choices in Denali for kids. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026 Both its Hoka running and casual UGG shoe brands missed quarterly sales estimates. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 The letter details that the monitors will dress in business casual attire and not be identified by uniforms or pins. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 But the sport gave up elimination races in the process, which is naturally going to hurt interest from casual fans. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for casual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for casual

Adjective

In an office, the two of them would likely have crossed paths, enabling an informal mentoring relationship.

— Lynn Godfrey, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Around a third of young Africans are employed in informal roles in the agricultural sector.

— Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of informal

Adjective

Off-duty models stepped out in nonchalant style, pairing the jeans with basic tops and simple belts, while fashion show attendees elevated the laidback fits with button-down denim shirts, neckties and colorful knitwear.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Just a rugged man in a stream There is, of course, nothing nonchalant about the exchange.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of nonchalant

Adjective

In the absence of regular data, analysts and activists interested in immigration trends have relied on information obtained through lawsuits or limited and sporadic information released by federal agencies to track deportation data.

— Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Only some regional operators have continued sporadic services, generally using smaller feeder vessels.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of sporadic

Adjective

Lula can point to low unemployment and easing inflation, but those indicators have not changed perceptions for households struggling with everyday prices.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
By heating food using electromagnetic energy, microwave ovens made reheating and quick meal preparation easier, changing everyday cooking habits across much of the world.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of everyday

Adjective

The New Braunfels, Texas, resident kept a frenetic touring schedule, headlining major Texas venues and mid-sized dance halls around the country, with occasional arena or amphitheater stops opening for Koe Wetzel thrown in.

— Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2026
That could make removing space junk a routine service rather than an occasional experiment.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of occasional

Adjective

This is not a sudden shift in attitude to defend a controversial CBA.

— Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2026
In addition to low blood oxygen levels and low blood pressure, a pulmonary embolism can affect the heart, causing a fast or irregular heart rate, right-sided heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

People went through the admission and security checkpoints without issues, and the event’s early evening acts enjoyed mostly dry stages with light, intermittent rain.

— Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
Ohtani has been playing with a bad knee and biceps for three months, and the Dodgers already have tried intermittent rest.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of intermittent

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cast (up)

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“Casual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/casual. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of casual

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