Definition of randomnext

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 The most random and exciting combination of people was there. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026 If your meeting notes live across random documents, voice memos, and sticky notes, staying organized is nearly impossible. Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026 Our Officers conduct both random and targeted enforcement throughout the school year to both enforce and deter violations of the law. Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026 Northrop Grumman's timing of the release of the video is hardly random. David Szondy april 21, New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for random
Recent Examples of Synonyms for random
Adjective
  • There are a few, scattered references to female gladiators.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Within minutes of leaving town, the pavement twists downward through tight turns and steep grades as the mountain air begins to warm, the vegetation giving way to chaparral and scattered juniper, then to the stark silhouettes of ocotillo and Mojave yucca.
    Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The European Union first sanctioned him in 2008, and imposed parallel sanctions in 2022 over the use of live ammunition, arbitrary detention of protesters and journalists, and the violent suppression of demonstrations.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
  • But at the meeting, there was an admission that that number was an arbitrary figure.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Roughly 61% say Trump has become more erratic with age, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released in February.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Cuomo and other employees were concerned by Fahim’s bizarre and erratic behavior — along with his poor personal hygiene — and unsuccessfully tried to get the leaders of the firm to fire him.
    Sean Emery, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The grieving son of a 78-year-old innocent bystander shot in the Bronx said his father’s death and the recent stray bullet slay of a Brooklyn infant should be a wake-up call to the city.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
  • While sitting on a bench, enjoying the warm weather in his Mott Haven apartment building's courtyard, Spence was shot and killed by a stray bullet striking him in the stomach, his family said Friday.
    Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The second episode of Euphoria’s third season finds Rue basking in the glow of God’s favor and settling into her new life working for the strip-club proprietor Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), who tasks her with scooping pig slop and covering up evidence of a dancer’s accidental overdose.
    Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Photographer Hoda Afshar recalls the image as something almost accidental.
    Adam Pourahmadi, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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