Synonyms of haphazard

haphazard 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)hap-ˈha-zərd 

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

• random
• scattered
• arbitrary
• erratic
• sporadic
• stray
• accidental
• aimless
• lucky
• slapdash
• casual
• desultory
• contingent
• odd
• hit-or-miss
• irregular
• helter-skelter
• catch-as-catch-can
• chance
• inadvertent
• unplanned
• fortuitous
• unsystematic
• unintentional
• incidental
• unpremeditated
• purposeless
• indiscriminate
• unintended
• unconsidered
• disorganized
• directionless
• scattershot
• spot
• shotgun
• undirected
• chancy
• disorderly
• fluky
• undiscriminating
• objectless
• unselective

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• systematic
• regular
• orderly
• regular
• organized
• continuous
• stable
• steady
• constant
• methodical
• fixed
• nonrandom
• systematized
• established
• arranged
• even
• deliberate
• set
• planned
• conscious
• purposeful
• aware
• thoughtful
• managed
• ordered
• willful
• orchestrated

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

• randomly
• haphazardly
• at random
• irregularly
• aimlessly
• erratically
• casually
• willy-nilly
• anyway
• helter-skelter
• desultorily
• hit or miss
• informally
• arbitrarily
• carelessly
• anyhow
• indiscriminately
• capriciously
• whimsically
• unintentionally
• accidentally
• inadvertently
• promiscuously
• anywise
• fortuitously
• unconsciously
• unwittingly
• offhandedly
• unpredictably
• intermittently
• fitfully
• offhand
• disjointedly
• higgledy-piggledy
• disconnectedly
• spottily
• topsy-turvy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• systematically
• orderly
• methodically
• carefully
• formally
• deliberately
• intentionally
• meticulously
• gingerly
• purposely
• purposefully
• punctiliously

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

Recent Examples of haphazard

Adjective

And of how even the most unified filmography can be the result of completely haphazard circumstances. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 14 July 2026

The seemingly haphazard approach to regulating new model releases has led to widespread calls from the AI industry for more consistent regulation. — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act after a generation of lobbying by educators and scientists who wanted to protect sites from commercial artifact looting and haphazard collecting by individuals. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

Even the redactions were haphazard, with some names still visible. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026

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