1
a
: lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern
b
: made, done, or chosen at random
read random passages from the book
2
a
: relating to, having, or being elements or events with definite probability of occurrence
random processes
b
: being or relating to a set or to an element of a set each of whose elements has equal probability of occurrence
a random sample
also
: characterized by procedures designed to obtain such sets or elements
random sampling
randomly
adverb
: in a random manner
Examples of random in a Sentence
Adjective
a random sequence of letters
A random sample of doctors from around the country were selected for the study.
We tasted the wines in random order and then rated each.
a random collection of buttons
She collects random photographs that she finds in antique shops.
Pick a random word on the page.
The computer program generates a list of random numbers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
Should operating systems block device enrollment requests that come from random websites?
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Longtime collaborator Alex Lockett returns to direct the clip, an upstairs/downstairs concept which follows Antonoff on struggle street, stumbling into randoms and flapping about in the rain.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2026
Collier Meyerson, WIRED, 16 Aug. 2019
See All Example Sentences for random
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Adjective
In the event this Promotion is cancelled or terminated, pursuant to subparagraph (iii) or (iv), Sponsor, in its sole discretion, may elect to hold a random drawing from among all eligible entries received up to the date of discontinuance for any or all of the prizes offered herein.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
Should operating systems block device enrollment requests that come from random websites?
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
If the Heat loses in the play-in, Miami would have a lottery pick in what’s considered one of the best NBA drafts in years and would head into the random-but-weighted lottery slotted 11th or more likely, 12th, 13th or 14th.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Longtime collaborator Alex Lockett returns to direct the clip, an upstairs/downstairs concept which follows Antonoff on struggle street, stumbling into randoms and flapping about in the rain.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2026
Adverb
There’s one really random one called Mindicine that a postpartum therapist recommended.
—Collier Meyerson, WIRED, 16 Aug. 2019
See All Example Sentences for random
Cite this Entry
“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/random. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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