1
as in arrogant
having or showing a tendency to force one's will on others without any regard to fairness or necessity
an arbitrary piano teacher who makes all her students do the same exercises over and over again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in random
lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern
the order of the names of the 10 semifinalists is entirely arbitrary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in oppressive
exercising power or authority without interference by others
a nation with no tradition of democracy, only a long history of arbitrary rulers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 arbitrary
My arbitrary top five, dating back to the beginning of free agency in 1976 — and requiring a player to spend at least five seasons with that team after signing — would include Bonds, Ortiz, Rickey, Reggie … and the Schwarbino (in no particular order).
—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
Lacking the narrative glue that holds a governing project together, many of Labour’s decisions seemed arbitrary.
—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
But the system is grossly inefficient and the criteria for how much money to hand out is arbitrary.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
The real work of nonfiction, and of profile writing especially, is in making a series of arbitrary and disconnected events legible.
—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for arbitrary
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
Lacking the narrative glue that holds a governing project together, many of Labour’s decisions seemed arbitrary.
—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
But the system is grossly inefficient and the criteria for how much money to hand out is arbitrary.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
The real work of nonfiction, and of profile writing especially, is in making a series of arbitrary and disconnected events legible.
—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for arbitrary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arbitrary
Adjective
-
West Germany, arrogant attitude adjusted, pounded Chile, 4-1.
-
Lasso, in his initial introduction to audiences, wasn’t the warm, pun-loving, inspirational coach audiences would eventually embrace through Apple +, but a slightly arrogant buffoon parodying the average American sports fan.
Adjective
-
Luka Dončić got traded at midnight on a random Saturday in February.
-
Pinned to their random assortment of hats were scrawled, handmade signs proclaiming liberty or death.
Adjective
-
Other booths included photo opportunities dressed in traditional Colonial garb, hands-on historical exhibits and interactive displays that offered visitors a break from the oppressive heat.
-
Due to the oppressive heat, the Phillies have adjusted operations through Thursday's game.
Adjective
-
His conviction was overturned in 2024 when his lawyers argued the first trial was unfair when the court allowed other accusers to testify.
-
Hilton, running on a platform of affordability and lowering taxes, has seized on the sentiment, casting health coverage for immigrants without legal status as deeply unfair and a direct threat to the state’s ability to help citizens.
Adjective
-
If your data is messy, scattered or stale, the AI output fails.
-
At Mariposa Market in Willits, grocery items, wine bottles and other merchandise tumbled from shelves, leaving aisles littered with broken glass and scattered products.
Adjective
-
In the nation’s gravest hour, the country’s authoritarian regime has crippled an effective response, say survivors, rescue workers and former officials.
-
Some are fleeing authoritarian regimes, war or natural disasters.
Adjective
-
Avoid abrupt temperature changes, frequent relocation, and inconsistent watering.
-
Broadcasters and platforms needed reliable ways to deliver streams to millions of viewers across inconsistent internet connections.
Adjective
-
Woody and Buzz have survived sadistic neighbors, evil toys and tyrannical daycare rulers.
-
This dooms the kingdom to the tyrannical rule of the villainous Priscilla (Nikki Glaser), who swoops in and snatches the throne.
Cite this Entry
“Arbitrary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arbitrary. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
