haphazard 1 of 2

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

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
Both residents and tourists cruise around on single-speed bikes, parking them in haphazard piles to shop in luxury boutiques, visit the famous Sunday market for clothing and home goods, or grab a cappuccino in a glitzy café. Rebecca Rose, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026 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 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 Through orchestra, chamber music, and even haphazard improv with friends, music has acted as a bridge to understanding others and continuing to explore and learn with them. Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for haphazard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haphazard
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
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
Adjective
  • If your data is messy, scattered or stale, the AI output fails.
    Sagi Eliyahu, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • At Mariposa Market in Willits, grocery items, wine bottles and other merchandise tumbled from shelves, leaving aisles littered with broken glass and scattered products.
    Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Hundreds of people have been detained and Serbia's police was accused of excessive force and arbitrary arrests.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
  • Hundreds of people have been detained and Serbia’s police was accused of excessive force and arbitrary arrests.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Haphazard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haphazard. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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