1
as in random
lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern
a desultory search for something of interest on TV
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rambling
passing from one topic to another
a desultory discussion about the news of the day
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of desultory
With all due respect to Swords and Holloway, Olson has taken the team on her back since Michigan’s desultory loss to Iowa last week.
—
Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Though desultory violence by remaining members of the group continued for years, the autumn of 1977 marked the climax of the violent campaigns of extremist left wing groups in the country.
—Jason Burke, Time, 27 Feb. 2026
Once more, police made desultory enquiries and soon lost interest, their investigative resources stretched thin by a recent string of bombings in London by Irish republican extremists.
—Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
Conversation at Mels Diner is desultory and disinclined to matters so impractical, uncomfortable.
—David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for desultory
Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Though desultory violence by remaining members of the group continued for years, the autumn of 1977 marked the climax of the violent campaigns of extremist left wing groups in the country.
—Jason Burke, Time, 27 Feb. 2026
Once more, police made desultory enquiries and soon lost interest, their investigative resources stretched thin by a recent string of bombings in London by Irish republican extremists.
—Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
Conversation at Mels Diner is desultory and disinclined to matters so impractical, uncomfortable.
—David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for desultory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desultory
Adjective
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But, a series of random attacks that left two women dead and a man injured in Atlanta over the past few weeks have some locals on edge, and others wondering if the city is truly prepared to handle the safety of thousands of extra people.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
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The vast majority of e-chucks are made of ceramic — hence Toto’s seemingly random decision to add them to its portfolio.—
Joe Wilkins,
Futurism,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Spinella shucks off sentimentality, always showing us Con’s offhand humor and sometimes nervous, defensive rambling.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
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Carnivores shouldn’t miss out on Peter upstairs—a rambling dining venue perched on the 24th floor, high above the rooms, that looks like a glitzy Vegas club complete with purple accents and ethereal, Avatar-esque light sculptures.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Share a draft, then ask a focused question so collaborators offer helpful edits rather than scattered opinions.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2026
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March 21 – April 19 One direct message could turn scattered effort into actual teamwork.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
26 May 2026
Adjective
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Cocktail Magic includes bars with different themes and wandering magicians.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2026
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Released in 2022, this otherworldly timepiece puts a contemporary spin on the wandering hours complication that AP debuted within the original Starwheel (Ref.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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Given that, the court concluded that forcing UCAR to give up its supercomputing center was arbitrary and capricious, and thus violated the Administrative Procedures Act.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 June 2026
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More people know about arbitrary arrests and imprisonments.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
30 May 2026
Adjective
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But certain connections to the state—if indirect ones, through its banks—were inevitable.—
Bozorgmehr Sharafedin,
The Atlantic,
1 June 2026
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In return for the pricing concessions, Glencore immediately withdrew layoff notices, safeguarding more than 1,500 positions and thousands of other indirect jobs across the platinum belt.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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His erratic, punitive and ultimately unconstitutional approach to tariffs has resulted in an economic mess of payouts to farmers and reimbursements.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
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Roki Sasaki flashed triple-digit velocity for the first time this season, but battled erratic command.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
Adjective
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But by the boulder the real action was social and discursive.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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The temporary and discursive structure allowed global visibility without institutional permanence.—
Daniel Birnbaum,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Desultory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desultory. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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