haphazard 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)hap-ˈha-zərd How to pronounce haphazard (audio)
Definition of haphazardnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
San Diego isn’t effectively clearing flammable brush from private properties due to a haphazard inspection system that doesn’t include hefty fines and often fails to re-inspect properties deemed dangerous, a new city audit finds. — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 Promising young filmmakers, having cobbled together haphazard budgets for an Easy Rider or Bonnie and Clyde couldn’t find coherent support for new ideas. — Peter Bart, Deadline, 25 June 2026 Rosenior abandoned his haphazard experiment at half-time, bringing on forward Alejandro Garnacho for centre-back Wesley Fofana and reverting to a back four. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026 In the early 2000s, especially, Ashley favored haphazard updos, with layers falling from the sides, as seen at the spring 2005 Marc Jacobs show in New York. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for haphazard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haphazard
  1. random
  2. randomly
  3. scattered
  4. arbitrary
  5. erratic
Adjective
  • Luka Dončić got traded at midnight on a random Saturday in February.
    — David Aldridge, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Pinned to their random assortment of hats were scrawled, handmade signs proclaiming liberty or death.
    — Sarah M.S. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of random
Adverb
  • These options let the computer randomly generate numbers for you.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Iran got a midfielder from Germany when his aunt, a television and film star in Tehran, randomly posted a family photo on social media.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026
Definition of randomly
Adjective
  • The right conversation could turn scattered effort into a working plan.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
  • If your data is messy, scattered or stale, the AI output fails.
    — Sagi Eliyahu, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of scattered
Adjective
  • Every state taxes alcoholic beverages, though the tax treatment of certain alcoholic beverages may appear arbitrary.
    — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • The war period saw its own moments of threats to rights, such as suspending habeas corpus, the legal mechanism to prevent arbitrary detention.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of arbitrary
Adjective
  • After cycling through erratic gigs—bus driver, garbage collector, violin maker—his carpentry skills landed him a job on an expedition vessel in Antarctica from 2006 to 2010.
    — Richard Morgan, Time, 29 June 2026
  • His social media posts became increasingly erratic.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
Definition of erratic

Browse Nearby Words

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haphazard
haphazardly
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Cite this Entry

“Haphazard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haphazard. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on haphazard

Nglish: Translation of haphazard for Spanish Speakers

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