random

adjective

ˈran-dəm How to pronounce random (audio)
Definition of randomnext
as in scattered
lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern since we were new in town, our choice of a vet for our dog was entirely random

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word random distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words casual and haphazard are common synonyms of random. While all three words mean "determined by accident rather than design," random stresses lack of definite aim, fixed goal, or regular procedure.

a random selection of books

When is casual a more appropriate choice than random?

While in some cases nearly identical to random, casual suggests working or acting without deliberation, intention, or purpose.

a casual collector

When is it sensible to use haphazard instead of random?

Although the words haphazard and random have much in common, haphazard applies to what is done without regard for regularity or fitness or ultimate consequence.

a haphazard collection of rocks

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of random Police say the incidents occurred in the early morning hours on Saturday, and the acts appear to be random. — Paul Burton, CBS News, 19 Oct. 2026 Grass, uneven ground, tiny puddles, and random objects can become major obstacles when the machine is barely taller than them. — New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026 Belting out random songs while delivering high-level physical comedy and acting takes skill. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 Because the gaps are so small, as opposed to sports with poor competitive balance like the NFL, the outcomes rely much more heavily on luck and random chance that fans or very smart analysts will ever admit. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for random
Recent Examples of Synonyms for random
  1. scattered
  2. arbitrary
  3. erratic
  4. stray
  5. accidental
Adjective
  • That rainfall was predicted to arrive in the form of light, scattered showers.
    — Austin Turner, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Security is thin and scattered downtown, and that morning was no different.
    — DP Opinion, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of scattered
Adjective
  • The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found al-Faraj’s detention arbitrary, according to a report published in December 2024.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Someone set the arbitrary number at ten, and the whole point of the exercise is to whittle the list down to ten.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of arbitrary
Adjective
  • Multiple companies now offer products that promise to spot the difference, with often contradictory, biased or erratic results.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The 2018 tailspin had followed a massive momentum crescendo and reversal several months earlier, which gave way to an erratic tape that couldn't absorb what seemed at the time relatively unthreatening Federal Reserve tightening actions.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of erratic
Adjective
  • Heat, stray electromagnetic signals, vibrations, and cosmic rays can disrupt their delicate quantum states, causing errors during calculations.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Félicette, a stray tuxedo cat from the streets of Paris, was a substitute for another cat named Felix, who somehow escaped on launch day.
    — Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of stray
Adjective
  • But AppleCare One doesn't cover service fees for accidental damage.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Police are investigating the incident as an accidental death.
    — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of accidental

Phrases Containing random

Browse Nearby Words

randiness
random
randomly
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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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