5/6/2020 Random | Definition of Random by Merriam-Webster

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ran·dom | \ ˈran-dəm \

Definition of random
(Entry 1 of 3)

: a haphazard course
at random
: without definite aim, direction, rule, or method subjects chosen at random

random

adjective

Definition of random (Entry 2 of 3)

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1a : lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern
b : made, done, or chosen at random read random passages from the book
2a : 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
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also : characterized Our
by procedures dedicated
designed team
to obtain such of
setsprofessional
or elements random sampling
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Definition of random (Entry 3 of 3)

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: in a random manner
Other Words from random Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example
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desultory,
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erratic,
haphazard,
helter-skelter,
hit-or-miss,
scattered,
slapdash,
stray

Antonyms: Adjective

methodical
(also methodic),
nonrandom,
orderly,
organized,
regular,
systematic,
systematized

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Choose the Right Synonym for random
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random, haphazard, casual mean determined by accident rather than design. random stresses lack of definite aim,
enabling
fixed goal, or regular procedure. a random selection ads. Thank
of books you!applies to what is done without regard
haphazard
for regularity or fitness or ultimate consequence. a haphazard collection of rocks casual suggests working or
acting without deliberation, intention, or purpose. a casual collector
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Examples of random in a Sentence
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Adjective a random sequence of letters A random sample of doctors from around the country were selected for
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Recent Examples on the Web: about
Noun your
Oregon State is also launching a four-week effort to collect samples at
randomdevice to ensure
from nearly 1,000the proper in Corvallis. — oregonlive, "Coronavirus testing could expand in Oregon
residents
right now. Instead, tests
functioning of oursitwebsite
idle amid restrictive guidelines.," 18 Apr. 2020 This is typically slow because the
or as
electronrequired
has to hopfor:from site to site inad
personalization; a kind of random, drift-like fashion. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "OLED-
power link jumps from useless 50Mb/s
selection, delivery, and reporting; to useful 1Gb/s," 13 Mar. 2020
content sentences
These example selection, are
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1561, inour
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Adjective

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

1618, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for random

Noun

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 — more at run

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Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-

webster.com/dictionary/random. Accessed 6 May. 2020.

Style: MLA

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English Language Learners Definition of random
: chosen, done, etc., without a particular plan or pattern
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