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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An offshoot of the popular podcast that actor-comedians Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang have hosted since 2016, the award show aims to celebrate the year’s biggest pop culture moments and plays like a fever dream more dazzling and deliciously random than a late-night scroll session on TikTok.—
Senior Television,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
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These aren’t random acquisitions.—
Ivan Guzenko,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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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
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There will be some scattered rain in cabin country up north Wednesday, but everyone else will see plenty of sun with heat but low humidity.—
Mike Augustyniak,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
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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
Adjective
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Their newest roams freer musically, with an unburdened wandering feel.—
Jon Dolan,
Rolling Stone,
8 June 2026
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MacFarland did not have a wandering eye, and was not looking to leave.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
Adjective
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As a result, the exploit can decrement the variable an arbitrary number of times and then delete and free the chain when some objects still point to it.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
9 June 2026
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The French overthrew millennia of arbitrary hereditary rule but soon devolved into terror and war.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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Cal Fire officials said the terrain allows crews to practice both direct and indirect firefighting and fire-control techniques while providing agencies an opportunity to train together in incident command and fire ground tactical operations.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2026
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Most crypto tokens have an indirect relationship with the underlying platform activity, but hyperliquid is different.—
Krysta Escobar,
CNBC,
6 June 2026
Adjective
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While the Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 89% of Democrats believe Trump has become erratic with age, only 30% of Republicans say the same.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
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United fans may remember Fred’s propensity to panic with the ball under pressure, as well as his erratic passing.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 June 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 13 Jun. 2026.
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