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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of arbitrary
The cost of this arbitrary divide is measured in more than legal fees.
—
Harry Bubbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2025
Bilmes posited that in order to resolve the arbitrary payment disparities during shutdowns, there should be automatic resolutions, creating an automatic extension of the previous budget.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
Yet many experts agree that number is arbitrary.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
Anchor your investments Anchoring happens when investors fixate on an arbitrary reference point.
—Chris Stevens, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arbitrary
Harry Bubbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2025
Bilmes posited that in order to resolve the arbitrary payment disparities during shutdowns, there should be automatic resolutions, creating an automatic extension of the previous budget.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
Yet many experts agree that number is arbitrary.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
Anchor your investments Anchoring happens when investors fixate on an arbitrary reference point.
—Chris Stevens, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arbitrary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arbitrary
Adjective
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So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
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The pilot opens with Powell’s character, arrogant college quarterback Russ Holliday, leading his Oregon Ducks team in the National Championship game against Georgia at the Rose Bowl.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Legalized betting has certain security advantages in that unusual betting patterns — such as large bets being placed on a random player’s performance — can be immediately flagged.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
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Still, a player ascending from top-15 or top-10-ish status in the league to a legit MVP candidate is arguably an even more difficult, more challenging and vertiginous jump than making the leap from random scrub to solid starter.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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After a summer of oppressive heat, October is when New York City hits its stride.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
18 Oct. 2025
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Raducanu had her blood pressure taken during the match, which was played in oppressive heat and humidity, before retiring down 6-1, 4-1.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Some of his artists have challenged their contracts as unfair, sparking broader debates about industry practices.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
2 Nov. 2025
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Both also often lead to litigation in federal court and the filing of unfair labor practices charges with the NLRB.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The core loop spans 18 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain, winding from Colchuck Lake’s turquoise waters to the Upper Enchantment Basin’s moonscape of polished granite and scattered tarns.—
Jacqueline Kehoe,
AFAR Media,
15 Oct. 2025
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Michigan residents are in for another seasonable week, with cooler temperatures and scattered rain, according to the National Weather Service.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Led by a far-right authoritarian government, the country has nevertheless encouraged rooftop and utility-scale solar through a mix of government rebates and relaxed regulations.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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Unlike communism and other authoritarian systems of government, democratic socialists believe in democracy.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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This is all so inconsistent and bizarre.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
3 Nov. 2025
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The punt unit has been inconsistent at best, and the return units are costing Michigan field position every week.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Players land on the planet Kairos, which is being ruled by a tyrannical dictator called the Timekeeper.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
13 Oct. 2025
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Scott's most recent projects include the 2024 sequel Gladiator II, which starred Paul Mescal as the son of Russell Crowe's Maximus, who squares off against tyrannical twin emperors.—
Jessica Wang,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arbitrary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arbitrary. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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