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
For various reasons—his kids are off from school during the robbery; his getaway driver drops out; his hotheaded gunman arouses suspicion—his haphazard caper doesn’t lead to riches. Robert Daniels, Time, 10 Oct. 2025 His hair is longer than the crew cut worn in his most famous role, as Nicole Kidman’s younger lover in 2024’s Babygirl — now chopped bluntly at haphazard lengths, like Lennon in the mid-’60s. Carrie Battan, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025 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 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 participants, whose ages ranged from 50 to 80, were randomly given either ALZ-801 pills or a placebo for about 18 months.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Place remaining ½ cup chocolate chips randomly on teddy bear faces, avoiding mouth area.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 30 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
  • Yet, the severity of gendered crime during Partition wasn’t caused by an arbitrary upsurge of madness.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Several lawsuits have already been filed challenging the fee and selection changes, with universities, labor groups, and business organizations arguing that the administration exceeded its authority and that the new rules are arbitrary.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Even when participants’ average blood pressure seemed healthy, those with the most erratic readings — combined with stiffer arteries — showed telltale signs of brain aging, the study found.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Think of the harms of erratic schedules akin to the way dripping water can erode stone.
    Allison Aubrey, NPR, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Haphazard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haphazard. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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