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Definition of haphazardnext

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

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
The department took down thousands of documents from its Epstein files website earlier this month after outcry from victims and their attorneys about the haphazard redaction of potentially identifying information. Connor Greene, Time, 11 Feb. 2026 The result is a haphazard vision for a future that the Bulls still haven’t fully fleshed out. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026 Cheung has also documented the haphazard quality of the operation, as in one photograph showing a gun magazine left in the snow after agents departed from a scene. Emily Witt, New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2026 It was usually tied up in a haphazard pony. Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for haphazard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haphazard
Adjective
  • Fitzsimmons will still be subject to alcohol checks and random home inspections by probation officers.
    Kristina Rex, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
  • And then something random comes up and have to pause.
    Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Will Arnett appears in the last two episodes as an unorthodox — think Judd Hirsch in Ordinary People, only less Jewish — New York City shrink whose attractiveness everybody randomly comments on, almost-but-not-quite saving the urban portions of those episodes.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Half were randomly assigned to eat a daily cup of mango and a daily cup of avocado, while the other half ate different foods that provided the same number of calories.
    Currie Engel, Health, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • And in legislative committees and in debate on Wednesday, sponsors of the new requirement didn’t cite evidence of more than scattered cases in which non-citizens may have voted.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The scattered protests erupted Saturday at universities following 40-day memorials for people killed in January during anti-government rallies.
    Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In his ruling, Estudillo said the group failed to show that they were denied passes because of their political affiliations — which would be a violation of their First Amendment rights — and failed to show that the process was arbitrary, which would have violated their due process rights.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Teaching of the Kurdish language is restricted, Kurdish names are banned from official registration, and Kurdish activists face arbitrary detention.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Oviedo has been excellent in each of his last two outings after a somewhat erratic spring debut, most recently striking out four over 3 1/3 scoreless innings in Saturday’s win over the Rays.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
  • But the woman’s time on the stand was also contentious and erratic at times.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Haphazard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haphazard. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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