haphazard 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)hap-ˈha-zərd How to pronounce haphazard (audio)
Definition of haphazardnext
as in random
lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern considering the haphazard way you measured the ingredients, it's a wonder the cookies came out this good

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

haphazard

2 of 2

adverb

as in randomly
without definite aim, direction, rule, or method shoes were tossed haphazard into the closet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word haphazard distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words casual and random are common synonyms of haphazard. While all three words mean "determined by accident rather than design," haphazard applies to what is done without regard for regularity or fitness or ultimate consequence.

a haphazard collection of rocks

When can casual be used instead of haphazard?

Although the words casual and haphazard have much in common, casual suggests working or acting without deliberation, intention, or purpose.

a casual collector

When is random a more appropriate choice than haphazard?

While the synonyms random and haphazard are close in meaning, random stresses lack of definite aim, fixed goal, or regular procedure.

a random selection of books

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of haphazard
Adjective
There are rugs that don’t match, random seating arrangements, a haphazard collection of coolers, televisions, wine racks, murals and board games, a tiny stage here, a slightly larger one there. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026 Downtown San Diego has been transformed into a haphazard movie set with numerous activities for locals without a Comic-Con International badge. — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2026 Parenting was a haphazard experiment for even the best intentioned, and Helen and John observed their offspring, Bo, DH, and Mido, with profound fascination, as only parents can. — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026 Appalled by her haphazard selfies, Scott took over with the camera. — Scott Westerfeld, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for haphazard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haphazard
  1. random
  2. randomly
  3. scattered
  4. arbitrary
  5. erratic
Adjective
  • This horror movie mostly just smelled of fake fog from a community theater production and occasionally you were startled by random bursts of air, once again pulling you from the events on screen.
    — Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • One episode explores several years in the life of a random Jason variant who simply tries to build a life for himself in a quiet world.
    — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of random
Adverb
  • In another, they were instructed to answer the questions randomly.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The bowls moved around the water and randomly collided with one another.
    — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of randomly
Adjective
  • The right words can turn scattered details into a workable plan.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The scattered rain on Tuesday morning was simply not widespread or heavy enough to provide meaningful relief for the ongoing fires or drought conditions.
    — Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of scattered
Adjective
  • While some of the color contrasts do articulate planar shifts, such as the candy-stripe lips (red for upper, pink for lower), many of the touches are arbitrary splotches that neither bolster a shape nor set another off.
    — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The choices of what to put in each episode — and when to cut from one timeline to another — have sometimes felt arbitrary, and have often disrupted the story’s overall flow.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of arbitrary
Adjective
  • Still, the closing play couldn’t erase an erratic and largely unproductive day for the Commanders’ offense.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The symptoms found in those with CTE include memory loss, mood swings, erratic behavioral actions and more.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of erratic

Browse Nearby Words

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haphazard
haphazardly
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Cite this Entry

“Haphazard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haphazard. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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