promiscuous

[pruh-mis-kyoo-uhs]

adjective

1. characterized by or involving indiscriminate mingling or association, especially having sexual relations with a number of partners on a casual basis.

   Synonyms: wild, abandoned, licentious
   Antonyms: chaste

2. consisting of parts, elements, or individuals of different kinds brought together without order.

   Synonyms: motley, confused, mixed

3. indiscriminate; without discrimination; not selective.

   Synonyms: unthinking, thoughtless, random
   Antonyms: selective

4. casual; irregular; haphazard.

promiscuous

/ prəˈmɪskjʊəs /

adjective

1. indulging in casual and indiscriminate sexual relationships

2. consisting of a number of dissimilar parts or elements mingled in a confused or indiscriminate manner

3. indiscriminate in selection

4. casual or heedless

Other Word Forms

• promiscuously adverb
• promiscuousness noun
• hyperpromiscuous adjective
• hyperpromiscuously adverb
• hyperpromiscuousness noun
• nonpromiscuous adjective
• nonpromiscuously adverb
• nonpromiscuousness noun
• unpromiscuous adjective
• unpromiscuously adverb
• unpromiscuousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of promiscuous¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin prōmiscuus “mixed up,” equivalent to prō- pro- ¹ + misc(ēre) “to mix” + -uus adjective suffix; mix, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of promiscuous¹

C17: from Latin prōmiscuus indiscriminate, from _pro- ¹ + miscēre to mix

Synonym Study

See miscellaneous.

Example Sentences

I love doing those promiscuous, provocative things, because it’s just fun.”

From Salon

Bacteria are also "promiscuous," easily exchanging genetic material.

From Salon

Backed by an eerie beat, the track revisits their promiscuous, party lifestyle with hedonistic lyricism.

From Los Angeles Times

The hosts of "Girls Gone Bible" frequently speak about "staying pure," telling their followers that sex before marriage "ruins lives" and that "modesty is very important" if women wish to avoid appearing "promiscuous."

From Salon

Some facilitators will evoke the spirit of cacao, who is supposed to be loving, nurturing and even a bit promiscuous.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• immoral 
• profligate 
• wanton