Arbitrary (Adjective)
Meaning
Based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice; "an arbitrary decision"; "the arbitrary rule of a dictator"; "an arbitrary penalty"; "of arbitrary size and shape"; "an arbitrary choice"; "arbitrary division of the group into halves".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The judge's arbitrary decision to dismiss the case without hearing all the evidence sparked widespread outrage.
- The dictator's arbitrary rule was marked by brutal suppression of dissent and opposition.
- The referee's arbitrary penalty call changed the course of the game and led to the home team's defeat.
- The artist's use of arbitrary shapes and colors created a unique and thought-provoking piece.
- The company's arbitrary division of the group into teams led to some awkward and unproductive collaborations.