at random

Idioms  

1. Without order or fixed purpose, haphazardly, as in Jackson Pollock dropped paints on canvas seemingly at random. Originally this phrase meant “very speedily” and “heedlessly.” Shakespeare had the present usage in 1 Henry VI (5:3): “He talks at random; sure the man is mad.” [Late 1500s]

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Example Sentences

At random, “bombshells” are brought into the mix to encourage the islanders to test their romantic connections.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2025

At random, I picked a man, Nick, from the surrounding group to play me as a young boy.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2025

At random, I clicked on the name Susan Binx, 19, daughter of a wire maker.

From Washington Post • Dec. 18, 2018

At random points during the school day, teachers might find him jigging to Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ or perfecting any number of new dance moves like the Dab.

From Washington Times • Nov. 12, 2016

At random times Aru’s weapon, Vajra, liked to shift into lightning-bolt form and zip across the sky before turning into a ball and bouncing in front of her.

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi

Related Words

• aimlessly
• frantically
• indiscriminately
• instinctively
• madly
• wildly