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 That’s because Adamala’s team had to create genetic variation synthetically, instead of allowing for random mutations in DNA. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 1 July 2026 Unlike modern sports trading cards, which are not only hefty but often bedazzled with autographs, jersey patches, and random holograms, the Panini stickers are flimsy and meant to be abused. Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 30 June 2026 The climate connection Scientists say these increasingly intense heat domes are not random. Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026 The Liberty buds cut both the droning noise from the bus's engine and random sounds, such as the doors opening and closing. Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for random
Recent Examples of Synonyms for random
Adjective
  • If your data is messy, scattered or stale, the AI output fails.
    Sagi Eliyahu, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • At Mariposa Market in Willits, grocery items, wine bottles and other merchandise tumbled from shelves, leaving aisles littered with broken glass and scattered products.
    Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Hundreds of people have been detained and Serbia's police was accused of excessive force and arbitrary arrests.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
  • Hundreds of people have been detained and Serbia’s police was accused of excessive force and arbitrary arrests.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • After cycling through erratic gigs—bus driver, garbage collector, violin maker—his carpentry skills landed him a job on an expedition vessel in Antarctica from 2006 to 2010.
    Richard Morgan, Time, 29 June 2026
  • His social media posts became increasingly erratic.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Sen added that even sparklers can pose a risk to children, which burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can set clothes on fire with stray sparks.
    Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • Then a few days in, a single glass of water or a stray ice cube sends you straight back to the hotel bathroom for the rest of the vacation.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Fire departments have also partnered with the APA to hand out buckets so consumer fireworks users can douse used fireworks, reducing the risk of accidental fires.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • While many may have had one as children, the inception of the toy was accidental.
    Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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