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

Twenty MPs are drawn at random, who then get a chance to propose a bill, with those drawn last given priority for debate.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Wolf kills aren't distributed at random, Loretto said, occurring more often on flatter terrain or in open valleys where chases are more likely.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

An aide flashed the overhead lights on and off at random.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

A new study published in Nature Aging shows that these changes follow a clear pattern rather than appearing at random.

From Science Daily • Jan. 10, 2026

I should be able to obtain the Jade Key at any one of them, so I selected one of the copies at random on the map.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

Related Words

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