Definition of random
Short definition: The word random means happening without a clear plan, order, or reason. People use it to describe choices, events, or ideas that seem unexpected and not carefully decided in advance.
Looking for a clear and real-life explanation of the word random? We use random all the time to describe things that feel unplanned, unexpected, or chosen without a clear pattern—from songs in a playlist, to people we meet by chance, to numbers generated by a computer. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed, everyday style with long examples that show how people actually use the word.
Comparatives: more random, most random
Related: randomly adv., randomness n.
Syllable: ran-dom
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(Adjective) Happening without a clear plan, pattern, or reason;
not carefully organized or controlled.
We had a random conversation with a stranger on the train, and somehow it turned into one of the most interesting talks of the week.His playlist feels random, jumping from classical music to hip-hop without any warning.That idea seemed random at first, but later it became the solution everyone agreed on.
Synonyms: accidental, unplanned, unpredictable, spontaneous, arbitrary, chance-based, haphazard, unsystematic, casual, hit-or-miss, impulsive, offhand
Antonyms: planned, deliberate, organized, systematic, intentional, structured, predictable, calculated, methodical, arranged, purposeful, designed -
(Adjective) Chosen without preference or bias, giving everyone or everything
an equal chance.
The winners were selected in a completely random draw, so everyone felt the process was fair and transparent.We decided to visit a random café in the city instead of going to our usual place.She opened a random page in the book and started reading from wherever her finger landed.
Synonyms: unbiased, impartial, neutral, fair, chance-selected, lottery-based, blind choice, non-preferential, even-handed, indiscriminate, impartialized, equal-chance
Antonyms: biased, selective, preferential, deliberate choice, targeted, chosen, intentional pick, fixed, controlled, decided in advance, partial, one-sided -
(Adjective) Seeming strange, unusual, or unexpected in a way
that feels out of context.
His comment felt random in the middle of a serious meeting, leaving everyone confused for a moment.She sent me a random message late at night, and I still have no idea what made her think of that topic.That question came out of nowhere and sounded so random that people started laughing.
Synonyms: odd, unexpected, out of the blue, strange, unusual, weird, off-topic, out of place, bizarre, surprising, curious, awkward
Antonyms: expected, appropriate, relevant, fitting, normal, predictable, logical, natural, in-context, suitable, understandable, reasonable -
(Noun) Something that happens by chance or without planning.
Sometimes life feels like a series of randoms, where unexpected events slowly shape your future.That meeting wasn’t planned at all—it was pure random, but it led to an important opportunity.We laughed about how much of our success came from simple random rather than careful strategy.
Synonyms: chance, coincidence, accident, fluke, stroke of luck, happenstance, twist of fate, unpredictability, surprise event, lucky break, odd occurrence, fortuity
Antonyms: plan, intention, design, purpose, strategy, careful choice, forethought, preparation, control, organization, predictability, certainty -
(Figurative) Describing a style of thinking or behavior that jumps
from one idea to another without a clear structure.
His thoughts felt random that day, jumping from work problems to weekend plans without pause.The conversation turned random as everyone started sharing unrelated stories.She has a wonderfully random way of thinking, which often leads to creative ideas others wouldn’t imagine.
Synonyms: scattered, unfocused, free-flowing, nonlinear, spontaneous-minded, stream-of-thought, impulsive-thinking, wandering, loose, disorganized, free-association, imaginative
Antonyms: focused, structured, logical, organized, systematic, coherent, linear, disciplined, methodical, orderly, well-planned, goal-oriented