When it comes to making decisions or choices, being arbitrary can come across as unfair, irrational or inconsistent. There are many ways to express this type of behaviour without using the word arbitrary. Using words such as capricious, whimsical or random, conveys the lack of reason or consistency behind a decision. Other synonyms include erratic, unpredictable or haphazard, which emphasise the lack of continuity and consistency in decision-making. Alternatively, the word discretionary implies that the decision was made based on subjective judgement rather than objective criteria. Ultimately, there are a variety of words to describe being arbitrary, and choosing the right synonym can help to convey the exact nature of the behaviour.