1
a
: lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern
b
: made, done, or chosen at random
read random passages from the book
2
a
: relating to, having, or being elements or events with definite probability of occurrence
random processes
b
: being or relating to a set or to an element of a set each of whose elements has equal probability of occurrence
a random sample
also
: characterized by procedures designed to obtain such sets or elements
random sampling
randomly
adverb
: a haphazard course
: in a random manner
Synonyms
Examples of random in a Sentence
Adjective
a random sequence of letters
A random sample of doctors from around the country were selected for the study.
We tasted the wines in random order and then rated each.
a random collection of buttons
She collects random photographs that she finds in antique shops.
Pick a random word on the page.
The computer program generates a list of random numbers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
So far, the only sign of anything amiss is the random Magic Marker doodle on the back of one of the many papers in Kornacki’s hands.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2024
The probability of selecting an unrelated person at random who could be the contributor of the partial major component in this DNA profile is approximately 1 in 550.5 quintillion.
—CBS News, 17 Aug. 2024
Collier Meyerson, WIRED, 16 Aug. 2019
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Adjective
When shown random pixels, the judge guessed correctly only about 59% of the time.
—Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
So far, the only sign of anything amiss is the random Magic Marker doodle on the back of one of the many papers in Kornacki’s hands.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
If approved, Measure EE would establish an independent commission made up of eight people from each district selected at random by the city clerk, and another five at-large members.
—Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2024
The probability of selecting an unrelated person at random who could be the contributor of the partial major component in this DNA profile is approximately 1 in 550.5 quintillion.
—CBS News, 17 Aug. 2024
Adverb
There’s one really random one called Mindicine that a postpartum therapist recommended.
—Collier Meyerson, WIRED, 16 Aug. 2019
See all Example Sentences for random
Dictionary Entries Near random
Cite this Entry
“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/random. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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