Arbitrary vs. Capricious

Arbitraryadjective

Based on individual discretion or judgment; not based on any objective distinction, perhaps even made at random.

Arbitraryadjective

Determined by impulse rather than reason; heavy-handed.

Arbitraryadjective

(mathematics) Any, out of all that are possible.

Arbitraryadjective

Determined by independent arbiter.

Arbitraryadjective

(linguistics) Not representative or symbolic; not iconic.

Arbitrarynoun

Anything arbitrary, such as an arithmetical value or a fee.

Arbitraryadjective

Depending on will or discretion; not governed by any fixed rules; as, an arbitrary decision; an arbitrary punishment.

Arbitraryadjective

Exercised according to one's own will or caprice, and therefore conveying a notion of a tendency to abuse the possession of power.

Arbitraryadjective

Despotic; absolute in power; bound by no law; harsh and unforbearing; tyrannical; as, an arbitrary prince or government.

Arbitraryadjective

based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice;

Arbitraryadjective

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

Arbitraryadjective

(of power or a ruling body) unrestrained and autocratic in the use of authority

Arbitraryadjective

(of a constant or other quantity) of unspecified value.

Capriciousadjective

Impulsive and unpredictable; determined by chance, impulse, or whim

Capriciousadjective

Governed or characterized by caprice; apt to change suddenly; freakish; whimsical; changeable.

Capriciousadjective

changeable;

Capriciousadjective

determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason;