arbitrary

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Immigration advocates challenge ICE’s policy governing these arrests, arguing, among other things, that it was arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

In her ruling, she said the government's designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk was "likely both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious."

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Brendan O'Hara, vice chair of the all-parliamentary group for arbitrary detention and hostage affairs, previously told the BBC the Foremans were "innocent victims of a geopolitical power struggle".

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

“Bad years for the S&P 500 are due to very specific factors, not just bad luck or arbitrary changes in investor sentiment,” said Nicholas Colas, co-founder of DataTrek, in commentary shared with MarketWatch on Tuesday.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

They were no longer waiting for some arbitrary grade.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray