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 scams are not random annoyances. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026 In April 2021, June was sentenced to 100 hours of community service, court supervision and other conditions, like random drug screenings, per E! Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 Police believe the attack was not random and that the women were targeted after an argument earlier in the day. Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 16 June 2026 The Islamic Republic has slaughtered demonstrators at random before. Laura Secor, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for random
Recent Examples of Synonyms for random
Adjective
  • Friday, a weakening ridge and an approaching front will allow scattered showers and thunderstorms to develop.
    Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 9 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
  • The anniversary feels arbitrary to Tran, a math teacher.
    Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • And not simply the tariff policies, but the arbitrary on and off nature of them.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 13 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
  • 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
  • The number of stray dog reports has declined in recent years.
    Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • Both are overpopulated with feral and stray animals due to this lack of population management.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a joint statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, the Defiance County Sheriff's Office and the Defiance County Prosecutor's Office said the boy died in an accidental shooting on Saturday.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 17 June 2026
  • Lineage Logistics has previously been accused of failing to comply with safety regulations to prevent the accidental release of anhydrous ammonia.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/random. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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