ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary BuilderWordsAarbitrary
ISEE/SSATmedium
arbitrary
Meaning: based on whim, not reason
arbitrary in a sentence
How arbitrary is used in real sentences:
The teacher's seating chart seemed entirely arbitrary.
His decision seemed arbitrary, with no real reason behind it.
“The manager issued arbitrary rules, changing break times whenever his mood shifted.”
— from the passage Writing at the Edges
Synonyms for arbitrary
Other words for arbitrary — random, capricious and whimsical — carry the same meaning.
- random
- capricious
- whimsical
Antonyms of arbitrary
Words that mean the opposite of arbitrary:
- principled
- reasoned
Where it comes from
From Latin arbitrarius 'depending on the will'
Word parts
- -ary/-ory — Makes adjectives meaning relating to, or nouns for associated people, things, or places.
arbitrary: arbitr (judge) + -ary (relating to)
Memory hook
ARBITRARY — chosen by an ARBITRary judge's whim.