Random Words CLI - Passphrase Generator

Generate secure, memorable random word passphrases from a 275,000+ word English dictionary.

This CLI tool uses cryptographically secure random numbers (crypto.randomInt) to generate strong, easy-to-remember passphrases perfect for passwords, SSH keys, seed phrases, and security-sensitive applications. Based on the famous XKCD "correct horse battery staple" concept and Diceware method.

Why Random Word Passphrases?

Passphrases generated by this tool are:

• More secure than random character passwords (higher entropy)
• Easier to remember than complex symbol-laden passwords
• Resistant to brute force attacks due to massive keyspace
• Human-friendly for typing and memorization

With 4 words from a ~275,000 word dictionary: ~72 bits of entropy ($4 \times \log_2(275,000)$)

Installation

Run directly with npx (no installation required):

npx random-words-local

Or install globally for convenient CLI access:

npm install -g random-words-local

This package now exposes both random-words-local and random-words as CLI commands, so either of these will work after install:

random-words-local
random-words

Usage

random-words-local [options]

Options

| Option | Description | Default | | :----------------------- | :--------------------------------------------- | :------- | | -n, --count <number> | Number of words to generate | 4 | | -s, --separator <char> | Separator between words | - | | -f, --format <type> | Output format: joined, array, or newline | joined | | -h, --help | Show help message | |

Examples

Generate a passphrase (default: 4 words)

random-words
# Output: correct-horse-battery-staple

Generate a stronger passphrase with 6 words

random-words -n 6
# Output: audible-receipt-walnut-tangible-symphony-leverage

Use spaces instead of dashes for readability

random-words -n 5 -s " "
# Output: lightning fortress orchestra pioneer cobalt

Generate a passphrase for password managers

random-words -n 4 -s ""
# Output: mushroom.jellyfish.umbrella.pavement

Output as JSON array for scripts

random-words -n 3 -f array
# Output: ["horizon","architect","melody"]

One word per line for batch processing

random-words -n 5 -f newline
# horizon
# architect
# melody
# fortress
# lightning

Use in scripts with custom separator

random-words -n 8 -s "_"
# Output: purple_tiger_midnight_lighthouse_falcon_sunset_azure_kitchen

Use Cases

• Password managers - Generate master passwords or secure notes
• SSH keys - Create memorable passphrase for private keys
• Two-factor authentication - Backup codes or recovery phrases
• Cryptocurrency - Seed phrases and wallet recovery
• API keys - Secure tokens for development
• VPN passwords - Strong, memorable credentials

Security

This tool uses Node.js crypto.randomInt() for cryptographically secure random number generation. Unlike pseudo-random generators, crypto.randomInt is suitable for security-sensitive applications.

The entropy calculation:

• 1 word from 275,000 words ≈ 18 bits
• 4 words ≈ 72 bits
• 6 words ≈ 108 bits
• 8 words ≈ 144 bits

For comparison, a typical 12-character alphanumeric password has ~60 bits of entropy.

Related Projects

• EFF Diceware - The original passphrase method
• XKCD 936 - Password strength comic
• an-array-of-english-words - Word dictionary

License

MIT