haphazard 1 of 2

haphazard

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adverb

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
Even if the administration’s policies are somewhat haphazard, Africa watchers are pleasantly surprised at the attention being paid to the continent. Laura Kelly, The Hill, 17 July 2025 Economists and trade researchers say the haphazard nature of the trade war is compounding the longer-term pressure on US manufacturing. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 11 July 2025 The hospital had become a field of haphazard body parts, the smell of Betadine infusing everything. Alireza Iranmehr, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025 The firings at some agencies were conducted in such a haphazard and unprofessional manner, leaving Trump administration officials scrambling. Mordechai Gordon, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for haphazard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haphazard
Adjective
  • Sprinkle in Minerals Don't just toss in minerals at random, says Damrosch—only use when recommended by your soil test to correct deficiencies that have been identified.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Besides the occasional random spider that scuttles indoors, some spiders can live in out-of-the-way spots in your home, such as along ceilings or in basements and behind clutter.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • These options let the computer randomly generate numbers for you.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The multiplier is automatically included and randomly assigned for every play at the time of purchase.
    Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • By comparison, campaign two felt more scattered and improvisational (befitting a D&D game).
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The threat for heavy rain in South Florida is diminishing, however typical scattered thunderstorms with locally heavy downpours are still possible in the area through the weekend.
    Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Cuba’s leaders have pursued a slow, narrow and sometimes arbitrary path toward economic privatization – especially when contrasted with other officially communist countries in Asia.
    Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The unions have asked the court to declare that both OMB and OPM have exceeded their statutory authority and acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner, and to invalidate any actions that may come from the memos and guidance issued.
    Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some signs of overheating and exhaustion arguably raise an alert for potential erratic energy and emerging fragility, but this market has rendered plenty such alarms false.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The Panthers delivered a stunning 30-0 win over the Falcons in Week 3, but as a whole, the struggles have continued for this rebuilding team, and third-year quarterback Bryce Young remains erratic and largely ineffective.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Haphazard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haphazard. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

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