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

There, again, if enough people pick stocks at random, some of them will make a fortune through sheer chance.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

"The victim Pouria Zeraati was not selected at random."

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

He tested portfolios consisting of 100 stocks, 50 stocks, 25 stocks, five stocks and only one stock, drawn at random from the S&P 500.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2026

“Twenty,” Lazlo reminded him, though in truth he couldn’t be certain, having chosen a birthday at random when he was a boy.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Related Words

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