at random

Idioms

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]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

at random

The kids who lose these contests aren’t chosen at random.

From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026

Destinations are drawn at random based on travelers’ preferred dates and departure airport.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026

There, again, if enough people pick stocks at random, some of them will make a fortune through sheer chance.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

The first enzyme cuts the long polymer chains at random points, reducing them into shorter sections.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 17, 2026

Once, when I’d been paired at random with another student, she’d just revolted.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023