at random

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]

Example Sentences

If you were to grab a section of the grounds at random, odds are you would be pulling up a chunk of hot asphalt or stiff-bladed grass.

From Salon

Some detainees were arrested at random and taken to large detention centres, the group alleged.

From BBC

This makes me suspect that he didn’t choose the desk’s previous owner at random.

From Salon

They choose audience members at random and can accurately guess their birthdays, their hotel room numbers and the exact dollar amount they won after a night in Vegas.

From Los Angeles Times

Alrashid said in a post to Instagram that the conditions are not livable, adding detainees are fed at random times and are expected to share an open toilet.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aimlessly 
• frantically 
• indiscriminately 
• instinctively 
• madly 
• wildly www.thesaurus.com