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 This summer thriller introduces readers to five seemingly random people waiting for a train — until one of them is brutally killed. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 Comeaux said the random gunfire from gangs started on Tuesday and spilled over into Wednesday. S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 10 June 2026 That random coffee shop that had the most exquisite collection of Arita porcelain and stacks of explicit manga. Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026 Much of this is vibrational motion, which is random and uncoordinated. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 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
  • The New York Times later confirmed that reporting through more anonymous US officials, including one official who said US military investigators were still evaluating whether the Iranian drone strike on the helicopter was intentional or accidental.
    Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 10 June 2026
  • The search warrant obtained by ABC News shows that federal agents were instructed to look for anything that would indicate violations of a law to prevent the accidental release of extremely hazardous substances into the air.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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