Random — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun adverb /ˈran-dəm/ ran·dom

Meaning & Definition of Random

Random (adjective)

  1. lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern
  2. made, done, or chosen at random
  3. relating to, having, or being elements or events with definite probability of occurrence

Random (noun)

  1. a haphazard course

Random (adverb)

  1. in a random manner

Random (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern

    "since we were new in town, our choice of a vet for our dog was entirely random"

    similar: aimless, arbitrary, catch-as-catch-can, desultory, erratic, haphazard, helter-skelter, hit-or-miss, scattered, slapdash, stray
    related: accidental, casual, chance, chancy, contingent, fluky, fortuitous, inadvertent, incidental, lucky, unconsidered, unintended, unintentional, unplanned, unpremeditated, scattershot, shotgun, irregular, odd, sporadic, spot, directionless, objectless, purposeless, indiscriminate, unsystematic, undirected, disorderly, disorganized, undiscriminating, unselective
    opposite: methodical, nonrandom, orderly, organized, regular, systematic, systematized
    near: established, fixed, regular, set, stable, steady, constant, continuous, even, arranged, managed, orchestrated, ordered, planned, aware, conscious, deliberate, purposeful, thoughtful, willful

Related Entry: At random (phrase)

At random is a different word from Random. The synonyms below are for at random, not for random.

  1. without definite aim, direction, rule, or method

    "The winner was selected at random."

    similar: aimlessly, anyhow, anyway, anywise, desultorily, erratically, haphazard, haphazardly, helter-skelter, hit or miss, irregularly, randomly, willy-nilly
    related: arbitrarily, capriciously, carelessly, casually, indiscriminately, informally, offhand, offhandedly, promiscuously, whimsically, accidentally, fortuitously, inadvertently, unconsciously, unintentionally, unwittingly, disconnectedly, disjointedly, fitfully, intermittently, spottily, unpredictably, higgledy-piggledy, topsy-turvy
    opposite: methodically, systematically
    near: carefully, formally, gingerly, meticulously, orderly, punctiliously, deliberately, intentionally, purposefully, purposely

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Random

The most common words with a similar meaning to Random:

aimless, arbitrary, catch-as-catch-can, desultory, erratic, haphazard, helter-skelter, hit-or-miss, scattered, slapdash, stray

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Random

Words with the opposite meaning of Random:

methodical, nonrandom, orderly, organized, regular, systematic, systematized

Related Words for Random

accidental, casual, chance, chancy, contingent, fluky, fortuitous, inadvertent, incidental, lucky, unconsidered, unintended, unintentional, unplanned, unpremeditated, scattershot, shotgun, irregular, odd, sporadic, spot, directionless, objectless, purposeless, indiscriminate, unsystematic, undirected, disorderly, disorganized, undiscriminating

Near Antonyms of Random

established, fixed, set, stable, steady, constant, continuous, even, arranged, managed, orchestrated, ordered, planned, aware, conscious, deliberate, purposeful, thoughtful, willful

Word Forms of Random

Derived words: randomly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Random

Middle English, succession, surge, from Anglo-French randun, from Old French randir to run, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rinnan to run run

First known use: 1619

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Random

Words & Phrases Containing Random

random-access, random-access memory, random variable, random walk, at random

Frequently Asked Questions about Random

What does "Random" mean?

"Random" means lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern. As an an adjective, a noun and an adverb, it is defined as: lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern.

What is another word for "Random"?

Other words for "Random" include aimless, arbitrary, catch-as-catch-can, desultory, erratic, haphazard, helter-skelter and hit-or-miss. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Random" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Random"?

There are 42 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Random". Common alternatives include aimless, arbitrary, catch-as-catch-can, desultory, erratic, haphazard, helter-skelter, hit-or-miss, scattered and slapdash.

What is the opposite of "Random"?

Antonyms of "Random" include methodical, nonrandom, orderly, organized, regular, systematic and systematized. Near antonyms include established, fixed, set and stable.

How do you use "Random" in a sentence?

Examples of "Random" in a sentence: "since we were new in town, our choice of a vet for our dog was entirely random".

Is "Random" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Random" can be used as an adjective, a noun and an adverb, depending on the context.

Is "Random" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Random" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Random"?

"Random" is pronounced /ˈran-dəm/ and divided into syllables as ran·dom.