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

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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

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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

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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 In soccer, even in a casual pickup game, you are expected to be moving continuously. —

Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 18 May 2026 In addition, Impure, an Italian casual essentials brand, Wear London and Ketroy will be part of the mix. —

Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 18 May 2026 Not to intimidate you more, but Venus in Cancer is pulling you into deeper emotional territory, and your one-on-one relationships are suddenly more consuming than casual. —

Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026 Learning how to wear sandals to work can be surprisingly easy, despite the footwear having long been deemed too casual for corporate settings. —

India Roby, Glamour, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for casual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for casual

Adjective

And Democratic operatives have begun informal discussions about recruiting a new chair, even as most believe that Martin's job isn't in serious jeopardy ahead of the midterm elections.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 May 2026
Lepoutre said Chapiron’s project is inspired by real cases in France involving young women who set themselves up as informal practitioners, offering discounted Botox and injections with dubious products.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 13 May 2026

Definition of informal

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cast (up)

casual

casually

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“Casual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/casual. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of casual

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