Definition of randomnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word random distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words casual and haphazard are common synonyms of random. While all three words mean "determined by accident rather than design," random stresses lack of definite aim, fixed goal, or regular procedure.

a random selection of books

When is casual a more appropriate choice than random?

While in some cases nearly identical to random, casual suggests working or acting without deliberation, intention, or purpose.

a casual collector

When is it sensible to use haphazard instead of random?

Although the words haphazard and random have much in common, haphazard applies to what is done without regard for regularity or fitness or ultimate consequence.

a haphazard collection of rocks

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 random These aren’t random acts of violence. Sativa Banks, The Conversation, 4 June 2026 Continue reading … JUSTICE TRACK — Feds step into random train killing as new details, potential death penalty emerge. FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026 One person, chosen at random, will receive two tickets and will be notified by DM on Sunday. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026 The workers’ mundane chores while closing a local bakery for the night are interrupted by last-minute customers, a random passer-by and two criminals who have vague plans for a robbery. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for random
Recent Examples of Synonyms for random
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • The French overthrew millennia of arbitrary hereditary rule but soon devolved into terror and war.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • Medical teams treated more than 40 people with gunshot wounds in less than 12 hours, while a security guard was struck by a stray bullet inside the hospital’s compound, the charity reported.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
  • The book requires slow, careful reading; there’s not a stray word in it.
    The Know, Denver Post, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Call volume during a typical Patriots game can more than double - hundreds of additional calls for help; Some true emergencies, others accidental pocket dials.
    Juli McDonald, CBS News, 3 June 2026
  • Invasive species The authors of the research paper recommend that all incoming extraterrestrial samples be handled exclusively through advanced robotic systems within the lunar facility, minimizing the possibility of human exposure and accidental release.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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