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 peptides are routinely used in “stacks”; chosen at random, with arbitrarily chosen doses; and two drugs from the same class may be included for reasons that defy explanation.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 17, 2026

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

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

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

Ron looked nervously at Harry, then snatched up a book at random and hid behind it.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

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