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

See Examples For:

at random

The standard comeback to this conclusion is that we don’t have to pick a mutual fund at random, but can instead pick those that have the best past performance.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 9, 2026

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

From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026

"So we should smile at the dogs - even at random dogs in the street."

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

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

From Science Daily ● Jul. 17, 2026

Kvothe motioned Chronicler forward imperiously, then turned to grab two thick glasses and a bottle seemingly at random.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

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Related Words

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

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