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 Most groups of particles will have a random mix of up and down spins, but the researchers found that a particular kind of particle that has been produced at the collider has often come in pairs with matching spin directions. Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2026 However, this also results in the bottom portion being scalding hot if a meal is sauce-based like pastas, and the top portion being undercooked with random cold spots. New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026 There is no evidence Nancy Guthrie is a crypto owner and, if the random note is genuine, the kidnappers appear to be relying on the partial anonymity offered by Bitcoin. Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026 Recognizing Patterns with Intuition Despite how it’s often portrayed, intuition isn’t mystical or random. Malana Vantyler, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for random
Recent Examples of Synonyms for random
Adjective
  • His scattered family, like so many others, reflects the extraordinary exodus of almost 8 million Venezuelans — regarded as the largest-ever displacement of people in the Americas.
    Mery Mogollon, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • More scattered sleet, snow and ice are expected for the afternoon, before widespread precipitation is predicted to return Saturday night.
    Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Judges could reason the NCAA interpreting rules to allow pros from some leagues, but not others, is hypocritical and arbitrary.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Venezuela’s opposition and human rights groups have long accused the country’s authoritarian regime of using arbitrary arrests to suppress dissent.
    Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Cut Buddy's tariff bills became erratic and exorbitant.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Using Color to Stir Emotion Much of Brontë's original text is unsettling, with the reader never quite knowing what our erratic characters will do next and what will be the consequences of their actions.
    Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Use a vacuum nozzle to pick up stray lint inside the agitator cavity and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Music that’s composed of a thousand stray fragments, while still having a beating heart.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • These pressures are not accidental.
    Steve Hershey, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Why This Moment Matters The timing of this shift isn’t accidental.
    Kelly Ehlers, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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