stochastic

adjective

sto·​chas·​tic stə-ˈka-stik  stō- 

1

: random

specifically : involving a random variable

a stochastic process

2

: involving chance or probability : probabilistic

a stochastic model of radiation-induced mutation

stochastically

stə-ˈka-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of stochastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The stochastic nature of LLMs cannot be engineered away. —Shailesh Manjrekar, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

This kind of system isn’t a stochastic parrot or a bag of words. —Alice Xu, The Conversation, 12 May 2026

That was just a proof of concept for the team; the stochastic siren method could really come into its own over the next six years, as sensitivity increases and scientists can tighten the constraints on the Hubble constant. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026

Our surround processing separates the stochastic part of the signal from the correlated part, which effectively separates direct sound coming from the instruments from the room ambiance in the recording. —Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek stochastikos skillful in aiming, from stochazesthai to aim at, guess at, from stochos target, aim, guess — more at sting

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stochastic

• aplastic
• bombastic
• dynastic
• dysplastic
• elastic
• fantastic
• gymnastic
• monastic
• sarcastic
• scholastic
• silastic
• aeroelastic

Medical Definition

stochastic

adjective

sto·​chas·​tic stə-ˈkas-tik  stō- 

1

: involving a random variable

a stochastic process

2

: involving chance or probability

a stochastic model of radiation-induced mutation

stochastically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb