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

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

The researchers say the work represents a shift from population-level regulation toward true single-cell precision control in stochastic biological systems, with implications for cancer therapy, synthetic biology, and microbial engineering. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026

The transitions between patterns are variable and somewhat stochastic. —Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 23 Dec. 2025

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