SCATTERSHOT Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

scattershot

adjective

Definition of scattershot

as in haphazard

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 scattershot The two-bedroom duplex, Apartment 305-306, the aforementioned art studio, still has scattershot paint splatters on the floor and a library in the second room. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 1 July 2026 And while towns in Clay, Platte and Johnson Counties have seen steady — if limited — growth, the bureau found, population figures in eastern Jackson County have been somewhat more scattershot. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026 Some Republicans are also frustrated with the administration’s scattershot messaging, particularly around last year’s signature tax law, according to a GOP operative who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. — Bloomberg, Oc Register, 7 May 2026 There’s something of a profit panic as the company tries to figure out how to make money from its scattershot AI enterprises, while Claude Code and Cowork from Anthropic emerged as the winners for enterprise AI spending. — Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scattershot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scattershot

Adjective

However, industry leaders caution against haphazard AI adoption, emphasizing that strategic, disciplined implementation is crucial to avoid significant financial pitfalls.

— Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Communication with employees about the requirement to move to new offices has been haphazard, workers at six agencies said.

— Chiara Eisner, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of haphazard

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

Adjective

Serialization itself is interesting—the inadvertent or almost incidental meaning that can come from putting one thing next to another thing.

— Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
That included nearly $12,000 for Marshall’s airfare and transportation, more than $6,000 for the senator’s per diem and $689 in incidental expenses.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of incidental

Adjective

This included expert witnesses who said the child’s death was an accidental drowning brought on by a seizure and a jailhouse informant who recanted his trial testimony that Duncan had confessed to the crime.

— Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026
In all three cases, authorities have appeared to suggest their deaths were accidental.

— Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of accidental

Adjective

Serialization itself is interesting—the inadvertent or almost incidental meaning that can come from putting one thing next to another thing.

— Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Manchester United will make a minor change to their kit for their first home game of the season against Ipswich Town, after an inadvertent breach of Premier League kit regulations against Hull City.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of inadvertent

Adjective

Bahrain and Kuwait, which have continued to face sporadic Iranian attacks, will have the lowest staffing of the Gulf embassies, with three-quarters of Foreign Service members returning.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Attacks on Kenscoff have escalated The first major attack on Kenscoff occurred in January 2025, and since then, there have been sporadic attacks in the mountains surrounding the city center.

— Pierre-Richard Luxama, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of sporadic

Adjective

In this sort of time regime, pointless, aimless time becomes a rarity, even a luxury—and an object of nostalgia.

— Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026
In any case, the burgeoning Cruz-Josie relationship should make for a welcome change-up in relationship drama from the endless and, at this point, aimless Joe-Neal domestic saga.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of aimless

Browse Nearby Words

scatters

scattershot

scatting

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Scattershot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scattershot. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of scattershot

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes