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

Like his fictional stand-in Nathan Zuckerman, who called himself an “unchaste monk,” Roth lived that paradox: monastic at his desk but promiscuous in the freedoms he demanded from every other human arrangement.

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

Read more on Salon

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

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

Read more on 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."

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• immoral 
• profligate 
• wanton