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

Caroline Fraser grew up in an area defined by unexpected, stochastic bursts of brutality. —Sarah Weinman, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025

At the same time, overbought conditions are not yet in place per the weekly stochastic oscillator, suggesting that the rally in WTI crude oil prices may have staying power for several more weeks. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 16 June 2025

What's the stochastic business case for the agent over the next 36 months? —George Stelling, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

But that’s what happens in an unexpected phenomenon known as stochastic resonance (SR). —IEEE Spectrum, 4 Oct. 2017

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