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

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

In these "RCTs," participants are assigned at random to different groups.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

You heard about a movie through word of mouth or from a critic in the paper, or you chose a film at random.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 2025

To cite a simple example, the probability that a person chosen at random from the phone book is over 250 pounds is quite small.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

Related Words

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