Synonyms of haphazard

haphazard 1 of 2

adjective

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!