promiscuous
Americanadjective
-
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
-
consisting of parts, elements, or individuals of different kinds brought together without order.
-
indiscriminate; without discrimination; not selective.
- Synonyms:
- unthinking , thoughtless , random
- Antonyms:
- selective
adjective
-
indulging in casual and indiscriminate sexual relationships
-
consisting of a number of dissimilar parts or elements mingled in a confused or indiscriminate manner
-
indiscriminate in selection
-
casual or heedless
Related Words
See miscellaneous.
Other Word Forms
- hyperpromiscuous adjective
- hyperpromiscuously adverb
- hyperpromiscuousness noun
- nonpromiscuous adjective
- nonpromiscuously adverb
- nonpromiscuousness noun
- promiscuously adverb
- promiscuousness noun
- unpromiscuous adjective
- unpromiscuously adverb
- unpromiscuousness noun
Etymology
Origin of promiscuous
First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin prōmiscuus “mixed up,” equivalent to prō- pro- 1 + misc(ēre) “to mix” + -uus adjective suffix; mix, -ous
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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.
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
