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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sporadic

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

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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 But most of the questionable p-card clothing charges were for casual or dress suits, rather than traditional uniform attire. — Irika Sargent, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Tortoiseshell shield sunglasses and a timeless black tote complete the casual-meets-cool outfit. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026 This pliability has made the app particularly popular for casual, real-time occasions—such as finding the ideal hostess gift for a weekend visit or selecting a thoughtful token for a friend—without resorting to generic fallback options. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 The whole affair had a playfully casual mood, with Edwards casually eating his dinner while presenting the prizes and gleefully razzing the winners during their acceptance speeches. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for casual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for casual

Adjective

Not surprisingly, Bassetti during his informal conversation discussed the benefits of scale in today’s international TV business.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026
However, this is a far cry from earlier times when lawmakers met regularly, participated in spirited and substantive policy discussions, enjoyed informal dinners and even carpooled back home during congressional breaks.

— John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of informal

Adjective

The task for the printmakers, led by Erik Hougen, Jeremy Ruiz, and Tom Smith, was to reproduce the jottings, corrections, and accidental smears on Safdie’s notecard as faithfully as possible, and also to scale it up in size.

— Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Good news for Boeing, but could this accidental monopoly be a potential disaster waiting to happen?

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of accidental

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

Only some regional operators have continued sporadic services, generally using smaller feeder vessels.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
That said, devolving tropical storms can pack a punch with sporadic gusts and showers as the energy that was formerly bundled in the storm’s center releases outward.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of sporadic

Adjective

Williams aims to help build a county government that works for everyday people by lowering the cost of living, delivering excellent county services and protecting fundamental rights.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026
And those costs are making the arithmetic of life too difficult for everyday people.

— NBC news, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of everyday

Adjective

With the Patriots and Bills accounting for four games on the schedule, the Jets can’t keep treating divisional victories as occasional breakthroughs.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
For most of human history, our Sun’s occasional tantrums have been of little concern to those of us living on Earth’s surface.

— Mike McRae October 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of occasional

Adjective

All of a sudden, Bass was a staggering champion lunging at a revived Raman, who swung and stung and ducked the way only a hungry up-and-comer can.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The Sagittarius Moon opposes Uranus, making a conversation, bit of news, or sudden change of perspective impossible to ignore.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

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
The amount of daylight, cool temperatures, and intermittent rain in autumn mimic what happens in spring when the peepers actively court and mate.

— Sheryl DeVore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of intermittent

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“Casual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/casual. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of casual

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