arbitrarily

American  

[ahr-bi-trair-uh-lee] / ˌɑr bɪˈtrɛər ə li /

adverb

1. based on the judgment or will of an individual.

   The Fourth Amendment protects my right to not be arbitrarily searched.

2. without an apparent reason or pattern; randomly; capriciously.

   There is no need to stop living life to its fullest simply because we have reached some arbitrarily set age for what broader society calls “retirement.”

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Other Word Forms

• nonarbitrarily adverb
• unarbitrarily adverb

Etymology

Origin of arbitrarily

arbitrary ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Like many former empires, Iran’s borders were drawn rather arbitrarily with respect to sizable ethnic communities.

From The Wall Street Journal

Beahon pushed back against the idea that brands were inflating prices arbitrarily, arguing that higher costs reflect inflation, rising material prices and unprecedented global investment in elite sport.

From BBC

It requires limiting officials’ discretionary power to punish arbitrarily.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Clean water is worth the cost, but regulators should not arbitrarily establish a level that is low for the sake of being low,” the chamber said in a press release.

From Salon

"We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained."

From BBC

Related Words

• forthwith
• promptly
• swiftly