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
There are rugs that don’t match, random seating arrangements, a haphazard collection of coolers, televisions, wine racks, murals and board games, a tiny stage here, a slightly larger one there. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026 Downtown San Diego has been transformed into a haphazard movie set with numerous activities for locals without a Comic-Con International badge. — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2026 Parenting was a haphazard experiment for even the best intentioned, and Helen and John observed their offspring, Bo, DH, and Mido, with profound fascination, as only parents can. — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026 Appalled by her haphazard selfies, Scott took over with the camera. — Scott Westerfeld, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for haphazard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haphazard
  1. random
  2. randomly
  3. scattered
  4. arbitrary
  5. erratic
Adjective
  • The backgrounds are sparse and artifical, with generous bloomed lighting and mist applied to seemingly random places.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Paralympic ticket sales will begin sometime in 2027 with a random draw or lottery, similar to how Olympic sales began.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of random
Adverb
  • By the end of the sales phase this week, more than 40 of the 50-plus sports had run dry; fewer than 10 still had tickets listed, according to several fans who were randomly selected for the opportunity to purchase.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The phase 3 trial involved 1,137 high-risk patients with melanoma, who were randomly assigned to receive either the vaccine and the immunotherapy drug Keytruda, or just Keytruda, for about a year.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of randomly
Adjective
  • During a walk through the park, CBS News Philadelphia also found scattered screws, metal fragments and broken glass in parts of the lawn.
    — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • The right conversation could turn scattered effort into a working plan.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
Definition of scattered
Adjective
  • Rights groups have raised concerns about the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers in Tunisia since the EU agreement, including reports of collective expulsions, racial violence, arbitrary detention and abuses against Black migrants.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • This way, statistical confidence gets flagged earlier, so decisions don't wait on an arbitrary deadline, and underperforming variants get phased out automatically instead of running to completion for no reason.
    — Karan Sharma, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of arbitrary
Adjective
  • However, as global heat increases, the rain is becoming more erratic and intense, creating the conditions for deadly floods.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Those might include escalating consumption, erratic behavior, drinking alone, secretly drinking and drinking during the day.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of erratic

Browse Nearby Words

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haphazard
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Cite this Entry

“Haphazard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haphazard. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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