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Definition of arbitrary

arbitrary

/ˈɑːr.bəˌtrɛr.i/
ar · bi · trar · y
Adverb:arbitrarily
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arbitrary Lexical Profile

arbitrary Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason, logic, or system.

Example

"The committee's decision to set the deadline at noon on a Tuesday seemed completely arbitrary."

2

Unrestrained and autocratic in the use of authority (of power or a ruling body).

Example

"The constitution was designed to protect citizens from arbitrary arrest and abuse of state power."

3

Of unspecified value or nature; variable and not assigned a fixed value (in mathematics and logic).

Example

"To prove the theorem, let us first consider an arbitrary positive integer."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for arbitrary

• Nearby Words

arbiter
arbitrarily
arbitrariness
arbitrary
arbitrate
arbitration
arbitrator

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late Middle English period from Latin arbitrarius ('uncertain, depending on the will'), derived from arbiter ('judge, supreme ruler, or witness').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Arbitrary. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/arbitrary
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