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
Working with a financial advisor can help turn haphazard financial preparations into a clearer retirement path. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025 In this instance, Winston, after his mutation, is looking clean house on Bob Garbinger (Kevin Bacon), a corrupt businessman whose haphazard ways led to his terminal illness and skirts treating him for it. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 But the study said many students, parents and school officials felt the roll-out of the policy was haphazard and that enforcement has been inconsistent. Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for haphazard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haphazard
Adjective
  • Legalized betting has certain security advantages in that unusual betting patterns — such as large bets being placed on a random player’s performance — can be immediately flagged.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Still, a player ascending from top-15 or top-10-ish status in the league to a legit MVP candidate is arguably an even more difficult, more challenging and vertiginous jump than making the leap from random scrub to solid starter.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • The multiplier is automatically included and randomly assigned for every play at the time of purchase.
    Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Just different things will randomly happen that’ll make the game more enjoyable.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The core loop spans 18 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain, winding from Colchuck Lake’s turquoise waters to the Upper Enchantment Basin’s moonscape of polished granite and scattered tarns.
    Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Michigan residents are in for another seasonable week, with cooler temperatures and scattered rain, according to the National Weather Service.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The trend's noon cutoff is also arbitrary, and while the habits are beneficial, the timing and exact numbers may not suit everyone's needs or lifestyles — and may not always be possible.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Anchor your investments Anchoring happens when investors fixate on an arbitrary reference point.
    Chris Stevens, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • His ball location has been erratic, and his decision-making still isn’t there.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Another investigation is looking into Tesla's limited Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, where passengers reported erratic driving and speeding — even with human safety drivers onboard.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Haphazard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haphazard. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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