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Published December 27, 2022. Updated March 8, 2023.

This helpful guide will show you how to use arbitrary in a sentence. It will show you the definition of arbitrary, as well as synonyms, antonyms, and the type of connotation that the word can carry.

Usage for arbitrary

Definition: something based on personal discretion or whim instead of reason or precedent

Part(s) of speech: adjective

Antonyms: logical; reasonable; consistent

Synonyms: erratic; capricious; random

Here are but a few sample sentences of the word in action!

• The burglar stole from half the apartments and left the other half alone. Which ones he chose seemed completely arbitrary.
• He doesn’t read movie reviews. He just makes an arbitrary pick from Netflix every night.
• One of the members of our jury seemed to be making completely arbitrary decisions, and it was driving us all nuts.
• Do not make an arbitrary choice when it comes to buying certain ice cream flavors in bulk.
• If you’re going to choose an arbitrary weekend activity, I don’t want to join you. Please put some thought into it.
• The choice to live in New York City or Los Angeles is anything but arbitrary.
• I hated that movie. It just felt like every decision the hero made was completely arbitrary.
• The design of the restaurant’s menu seemed arbitrary to me. It didn’t match up with the theme of the place.
• The weather seems deeply arbitrary this summer: thunderstorms, then sunshine, then the strongest wind I’ve ever felt.
• Don’t make an arbitrary choice when it comes to choosing your college. It will affect the rest of your life.
• My passion for Marvel movies is fairly arbitrary. Even I can’t tell you why I like certain ones and hate others.
• The scariest part of the dictator’s rule was his completely arbitrary decision-making process when it came to life and death.
• The judge’s ruling was completely arbitrary. I mean, did he not listen to a single argument from the defense?
• I think it’s better if we talk later, when you aren’t making arbitrary arguments with me that have no logical merit.
• It’s fine with me if your decision to join the tennis team is arbitrary, as long as you give it your all.