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
-
There’s a growing movement to bring back small rituals, like lighting candles, using cloth napkins, pulling out the good china on a random weeknight, and saying a toast before the first bite.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2026
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Candles, cloth napkins, the good china on a random Wednesday, a quick toast before the first bite.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
Blackened with volcanic rock and encircled by towering waves, the tumultuous scenery makes a vivid psychic landscape for So Help Me God, a rambling spell of ’70s-era soul and exuberant orchestral folk-pop that sweeps through the fog of heartbreak and the clarity of self-discovery.—
Kiana Mickles,
Pitchfork,
15 June 2026
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Lady Banks’ rose (Rosa banksiae) is a large, rambling rose that can quickly grow up to 20 feet long.—
Daniel Scott,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Friday, a weakening ridge and an approaching front will allow scattered showers and thunderstorms to develop.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
9 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
-
Controlled mind-wandering – Mind-wandering is a spontaneous zoning out of your immediate surroundings.—
Eric Zillmer,
The Conversation,
18 June 2026
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Their newest roams freer musically, with an unburdened wandering feel.—
Jon Dolan,
Rolling Stone,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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The anniversary feels arbitrary to Tran, a math teacher.—
Terry Tang,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
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And not simply the tariff policies, but the arbitrary on and off nature of them.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Adjective
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This includes about 29,000 direct construction jobs, more than 80,000 indirect and induced construction jobs and nearly 10,000 jobs related to wind farm operations.—
Jennifer McDermott,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
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High humidity, medium indirect light, and warm temperatures are best for your prayer plant.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Starter Eric Lauer battles erratic fastball command and early damage yet completes six innings, while the Rays’ Nick Martinez matches him before a bullpen misstep to Rojas decides a tight opener.—
Liana Handler
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
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Cynthia wants to get down to the bottom of Shamea’s erratic behavior, and the scene plays out like an angsty teen getting sent to the principal’s office.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
15 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 20 Jun. 2026.
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