randomize

[ ran-duh-mahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, ran·dom·ized, ran·dom·iz·ing.

1. to order or select in a random manner, as in a sample or experiment, especially in order to reduce bias and interference caused by irrelevant variables; make random.

randomize

/ ˈrændəˌmaɪz /

verb

1. tr to set up (a selection process, sample, etc) in a deliberately random way in order to enhance the statistical validity of any results obtained

Derived Forms

• ˈrandomˌizer, noun
• ˌrandomiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• ran·dom·i·za·tion [ran-d, uh, -mahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• ran·dom·iz·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of randomize¹

First recorded in 1925–30; random + -ize

Example Sentences

After you have randomized 200 patients to the drug, if you can’t tell that it’s working, it’s probably not a very good drug.

From Vox

Over time, as other treatments showed no effect, more patients got randomized to the fluvoxamine arm of the trial — letting the researchers learn more about the drug that seemed the most promising.

From Vox

All the data they pooled came from randomized controlled trials, the gold standard of scientific evidence, which randomizes participants into a treatment or no-treatment group.

From Popular-Science

While they might be willing to take a risk on a new treatment, “the last thing they want is to be randomized to a control arm,” Borys says.

From MIT Technology Review

In a natural experiment, conditions out in the world, that we have no control over, randomize patients for us, if only by accident.

From Freakonomics