be 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.
He told BBC Scotland News he had concerns that it could be arbitrary, inflexible and in some cases "very difficult to establish with any great degree of certainty".
From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026
Even that date may be arbitrary, but by the late fifth century, traditional Roman authority had ceased to be the basis of political power in much of western Europe.
From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023
About twice as many said some students are singled out while others are handled lightly, and punishments can be arbitrary and counterproductive.
From Salon • Dec. 22, 2022
He thinks standards will be arbitrary, varying from umpire to umpire.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2022
As regards the other sciences—those of classification and description—the selection might certainly be arbitrary to this extent, that Mineralogy, Botany, and Zoology might each be prescribed alone.
From Practical Essays by Bain, Alexander
