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
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
  • She is also banned for life from owning companion animals, is subject to random house visits, and has to pay a $150 fine, as well as restitution of just over $1,000 to the Clermont County Animal Shelter.
    Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2025
  • These patches are selected at random during construction, making each item even more unique and serving as a special tribute to Disney fans’ love of mystery items and pin collecting.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Kenan Thompson is also randomly there as a restaurant patron who wants free semen.
    Rima Parikh, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2025
  • These options let the computer randomly generate numbers for you.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The result was a mile-long line that turned scattered craftwork into synchronized production.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 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 7 Oct. 2025.

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