haphazard 1 of 2

haphazard

2 of 2

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
Both shows just burn through villains in the most haphazard and jarring way, never really allowing for any of them to build up into something truly threatening, let alone interesting enough to carry the mantle of Big Bad. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 That fact was evident not only in the casualties and hostage-taking during the massacre, but in the grinding, brutal, and haphazard war in Gaza that has followed. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025 Trump's attempts to reduce the size of the payroll, often in a manner seen as haphazard, have caused anxiety and alarm. Jonathan Allen, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025 Trump’s history of haphazard geopolitical interventions has already threatened to ideologically isolate the United States, bit by bit, among its global allies. Rob Picheta, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for haphazard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haphazard
Adjective
  • This behaviour can also be triggered by a random and undefined phrase or prompt.
    Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Keppler notes that the 10-year time frame isn’t random.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • There are no longer arbitrary divisions in which people say that different functions aren’t their job or concern.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Marylanders deserve a civil justice system that recognizes the full scope of human suffering and empowers citizen juries to render verdicts based on evidence rather than arbitrary limitations.
    Bruce M. Plaxen, Baltimore Sun, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Even if that happens, however, Sternberg would still receive the 2025 World Series trophy if the Rays rebound from an erratic first half to win their first world championship.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • There is yet another small chance for thunderstorms this afternoon, ten percent likelihood or less, with the main threats of any storms that are able to develop being lightning and gusty and erratic outflow winds.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Haphazard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haphazard. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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