arbitrary

B2formal

Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.

arbitraire (sens : fondé sur un choix aléatoire)

• The decision seemed completely arbitrary and unfair.
• He made an arbitrary selection from the list.
• The rules were applied in an arbitrary manner.

Synonymescapriciousgroundlessirrationalrandomunjustifiedunpredictablewhimsical

Antonymesjustifiedprincipledrationalreasonedsystematic

Unrestrained powerC1formal

Using power without restriction or control, often in a dictatorial way.

Arbitraire (pouvoir sans contrainte)

• The dictator's arbitrary rule was condemned by the international community.
• Citizens protested against the arbitrary arrests.
• The government's arbitrary actions violated human rights.

Synonymesabsoluteautocraticdespoticdictatorialoppressivetyrannicalunbridleduncheckedunlimitedunrestrained

Antonymesaccountableconstitutionalconstrainedjustlawfullegitimatelimitedrestricted