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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 arbitrary
The late Presbyterian pastor Tim Keller warned that America’s two-party system draws arbitrary lines across orthodox Christianity.
—
Abby McCloskey, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
The lawsuit alleged that the USDA’s actions were arbitrary and capricious and therefore violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Yet, the severity of gendered crime during Partition wasn’t caused by an arbitrary upsurge of madness.
—JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
Several lawsuits have already been filed challenging the fee and selection changes, with universities, labor groups, and business organizations arguing that the administration exceeded its authority and that the new rules are arbitrary.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arbitrary
Abby McCloskey, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
The lawsuit alleged that the USDA’s actions were arbitrary and capricious and therefore violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Yet, the severity of gendered crime during Partition wasn’t caused by an arbitrary upsurge of madness.
—JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
Several lawsuits have already been filed challenging the fee and selection changes, with universities, labor groups, and business organizations arguing that the administration exceeded its authority and that the new rules are arbitrary.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arbitrary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arbitrary
Adjective
-
This version of Ryan was arrogant, unable to conceal pride in his accomplishment.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Rumors have swirled that Jaramillo was at the center of an ambush or that his murder was part of planned retribution, but Cordero-Stutz reaffirmed that his death was a random encounter that could have happened to any deputy that day.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
-
This is the random bunch of misfits Courteney will have to transform into a team competitive enough to make it to nationals, and that will surely start to form one big family along the way.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
These political executions are a callous attempt by the authorities to frighten and silence an increasingly restive population no longer willing to accept their corrupt and oppressive rule.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Unlike the oppressive governments that have been affiliated with the socialist movement, modern-day democratic socialism strictly advocates for policies that can be enacted without threatening the power of the people.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
As a result, the tippee has an unfair advantage as measured against the other participants in the capital markets, who do not have access to this material nonpublic information.—
Samidh Guha,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
-
In the meantime, the day-to-day work is on us—looking at our money honestly, making strategic moves, and refusing to let an unfair system keep us from building something better for ourselves and the next generation.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Unlike communism and other authoritarian systems of government, democratic socialists believe in democracy.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The initiative’s foundation addresses the problem of inconsistent and burdensome reporting by engaging the industry to define an optional (and non-exhaustive) questionnaire aimed at strengthening data quality and consistency while significantly reducing the administrative burden on suppliers.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Knowing that Irving would miss much of the year recuperating from his ACL tear, Harrison signed inconsistent vet D'Angelo Russell in free agency this summer, but otherwise did little to address an obvious backcourt need.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The statement had a clear connection to the musical's plot surrounding the tyrannical Wizard and Elphaba's rebellion.—
Patrick Gomez,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Fitzpatrick, a preeminent historian of the Soviet Union, offers a concise account of Joseph Stalin’s rise to supreme power, his tyrannical rule, the black comedy surrounding his death, and his legacy in modern Russia.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arbitrary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arbitrary. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share