The meaning of ARBITRARY is chosen, decided, etc. seemingly at random or on a whim rather than in a reasoned or methodical way; also : random. How to use arbitrary in a sentence.

ARBITRARY definition: subject to individual will or judgment without restriction; contingent solely upon one's discretion. See examples of arbitrary used in a sentence.

ARBITRARY definition: 1. based on chance rather than being planned or based on reason: 2. using unlimited personal power…. Learn more.

Something that's arbitrary seems like it's chosen at random instead of following a consistent rule. Team members would dislike their coach using a totally arbitrary method to pick starting players.

If you describe an action, rule, or decision as arbitrary, you think that it is not based on any principle, plan, or system. It often seems unfair because of this.

1. subject to individual will or judgment without restriction; contingent solely upon one's discretion: an arbitrary decision. 2. decided by a judge or arbiter rather than by a law or statute. 3. having unlimited …

Definition of arbitrary adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Find 81 different ways to say ARBITRARY, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.

Arbitrary definition: Determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle.

Feb 9, 2026 · What does arbitrary mean? Learn the arbitrary meaning and definition in simple words, “arbitrarily” meaning, synonyms, and 15 sentence examples, plus law, math, statistics, physics, and …