Arbitrary

Pronunciation: /ˈɑːrbəˌtrɛriː/

Arbitrary (adjective)

  1. based on chance or personal choice, not a system or reason
  2. using power in a way that seems unfair or without reason

Examples

  • The selection was arbitrary, with no clear criteria.
  • He made an arbitrary decision without consulting anyone.

Common collocations: arbitrary selection, arbitrary decision, arbitrary rules, arbitrary authority, arbitrary power

Synonyms of Arbitrary

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Antonyms of Arbitrary

  • — when describing decisions based on a fixed system
  • — when describing actions that follow a pattern