at random

phrase

Synonyms of at randomnext
: without definite aim, direction, rule, or method
subjects chosen at random

Examples of at random in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Then, at the March Food Justice Collective meeting, Lee picked a seat at random. — April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Police have said all five were attacked at random and that the suspect did not know any of them. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026 In many situations, several words could continue a sentence equally well, so the choice is normally settled at random. — New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026 The draft order is usually determined at random or through another method, like order of finish from the previous season. — Sports Betting, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at random

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at random was in 1543

Rhymes for at random

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Browse Nearby Words

atramentous
at random
atrazine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At random.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20random. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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