as in scattered
lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern
since we were new in town, our choice of a vet for our dog was entirely random
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Currently, the Bitcoin network secures wallets by means of private keys, which are long strings of random numbers and letters that are visible to their owners, but that can only be guessed by means of an impossibly long series of trial-and-error attempts.
—
Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026
There’s no breakfasting on my breakfast bar, because it’s covered with mail that needs to be filed or otherwise dealt with and random things that need to be put away.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 21 Jan. 2026
The group examined 10 random chases over 11 days in 2025, revealing police pursuits that began over minor traffic violations yet reached speeds as high as 130 mph in residential areas.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
These differences aren’t random quirks.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for random
Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026
There’s no breakfasting on my breakfast bar, because it’s covered with mail that needs to be filed or otherwise dealt with and random things that need to be put away.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 21 Jan. 2026
The group examined 10 random chases over 11 days in 2025, revealing police pursuits that began over minor traffic violations yet reached speeds as high as 130 mph in residential areas.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
These differences aren’t random quirks.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for random
Recent Examples of Synonyms for random
Adjective
-
Its fractured, scattered form, grasping for structure instead of pretending to master it, is an attempt to build a future that will include both author and reader.—
Robert Rubsam,
The Atlantic,
1 Jan. 2026
-
On Sunday, rain will pick up across the Midwest from Kansas and Missouri through Ohio and Pennsylvania while scattered thunderstorms are possible from Arkansas up to Ohio, with some possibly strong enough to bring gusty winds and maybe an isolated tornado.—
Kyle Reiman,
ABC News,
27 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
The memorandum filed Monday argues the court should not adopt the deferential standard of arbitrary or capricious.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The judge also said the administration’s decision had been arbitrary and capricious, given its failure to consider Vineyard Wind’s interest in having the project continue on its schedule to a March completion.—
Mark Chediak,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Engram’s impact at TE1 was erratic, though, to put it kindly.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Even for a politician known for erratic policy shifts, this swap—of longtime democratic partners that have sacrificed much for America’s benefit in exchange for an authoritarian regime intent on undermining it—is bizarre.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Policing organizations such as the Police Executive Research Forum and the International Association of Chiefs of Police have recommended similar limits, warning that shooting at vehicles creates serious risks from stray gunfire or from a vehicle crashing if the driver is hit.—
Claudia Lauer,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
-
His surveillance video showed a man fixing a car outside the store when he was apparently hit by the stray bullet.—
Steven Yablonski,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the humor Stiller brings to all of his projects, the physical comedy was anything but accidental.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
-
This ambiguity is not accidental.—
Marc Schneier,
New York Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
