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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of arbitrary
The unions have asked the court to declare that both OMB and OPM have exceeded their statutory authority and acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner, and to invalidate any actions that may come from the memos and guidance issued.
—
Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Qualities like these are the ones that matter for the long haul—far more than any arbitrary age bracket ever could.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Oct. 2025
African telecom companies are often at the mercy of government agencies that order the shutdowns, but pressure from the international community could increase accountability and compel the companies to deny unlawful or arbitrary shutdown orders, the researchers argued.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
But Trump’s arbitrary brand of interventionism comes with obvious dangers.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arbitrary
Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Qualities like these are the ones that matter for the long haul—far more than any arbitrary age bracket ever could.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Oct. 2025
African telecom companies are often at the mercy of government agencies that order the shutdowns, but pressure from the international community could increase accountability and compel the companies to deny unlawful or arbitrary shutdown orders, the researchers argued.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
But Trump’s arbitrary brand of interventionism comes with obvious dangers.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arbitrary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arbitrary
Adjective
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Jackson returns as Wes Bryant, a handsome, intelligent, but arrogant man who had just moved to Seattle and was revealed to be a new medical intern at Grey Sloan.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
9 Oct. 2025
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Jack Cutmore-Scott as Julius Beaufort, an arrogant new money banker at the center of New York society with an interest in Ellen.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Sprinkle in Minerals Don't just toss in minerals at random, says Damrosch—only use when recommended by your soil test to correct deficiencies that have been identified.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Oct. 2025
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Besides the occasional random spider that scuttles indoors, some spiders can live in out-of-the-way spots in your home, such as along ceilings or in basements and behind clutter.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Amid the town’s oppressive atmosphere, Elma’s colleague Saevar could provide salvation.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
10 Oct. 2025
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In eastern Rajasthan’s poppy fields, an activist son and a farmer mother work to free themselves from oppressive circumstances.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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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
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By comparison, campaign two felt more scattered and improvisational (befitting a D&D game).—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Jorgen Watne Frydens, the Nobel Committee chair, spoke broadly about the advance of authoritarian regimes in the world and retreat of democracy in the announcement.—
Jon Haworth,
ABC News,
10 Oct. 2025
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Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who turned 58 this week, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering efforts to promote democratic rights in a country plagued by authoritarian rule.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Even if most of these conditions are met, one or two unfair elements can strongly shape overall perceptions of fairness.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
12 Oct. 2025
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Creativity is the last unfair advantage left.—
Erik Huberman,
Rolling Stone,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But beyond that familiar advice, dietary guidance has long been vague and inconsistent.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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Fairlead Strategies or its affiliates may have positions in financial instruments mentioned, may have acquired such positions at prices no longer available, and may have interests different from or adverse to your interests or inconsistent with the advice herein.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Fox reclaims the notorious lady-in-waiting from centuries of scandal, revealing a sharp-witted, politically savvy woman caught in the tyrannical court of Henry VIII.—
Phillipa Gregory,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arbitrary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arbitrary. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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