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
Post-Pudge, pro football punched along, knocking from the East to a haphazard hub in the Midwest, sprouting a raucous Ohio rivalry that grew in the years after a Canton lawyer named William McKinley was president of the USA. Steve Doerschuk, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 Tommy and Greg are basically like The Odd Couple in every way, with Tommy’s haphazard approach to life directly contrasting with Greg’s more measured approach. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026 The ask comes a year into a Republican administration that has been defined by haphazard mass layoffs and firings of thousands of federal workers, including dozens who say they were targeted in acts of political retaliation or for not embracing the White House's agenda. Amanda Seitz, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026 The ask comes a year into a Republican administration that has been defined by haphazard mass layoffs and firings of thousands of federal workers, including dozens who say they were targeted in acts of political retaliation or for not embracing the White House’s agenda. CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for haphazard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haphazard
Adjective
  • The Tennessee Titans went back to the streets quizzing random people in their schedule reveal in a twist to the team’s 2023 schedule reveal.
    Teresa M. Walker, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
  • In 2019, Mohsin went to pick up his mother at her vegetable stand in Nyala, South Darfur, when armed men stormed the area and shot villagers at random.
    Annie Hylton, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Adverb
  • The act also would have shifted oversight of safety and testing from the Marijuana Enforcement Division to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and funded a program in which regulators would randomly collect marijuana products from dispensaries to test them for contaminants.
    Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 15 May 2026
  • Patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • So how do teams turn scattered tactics into a coherent system?
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
  • In that case, most areas will see scattered rain, but the more robust cells could produce brief, heavy downpours.
    Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • The case has become one of the most emblematic examples cited by rights organizations accusing Venezuela’s security apparatus of using arbitrary detention, incommunicado imprisonment and forced disappearances against dissidents and suspected opponents.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
  • Her work-from-home job requires her to maintain a minimum internet connection of 65 Mbps in downloads, which is subject to arbitrary testing.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • Price Outlook Cotton prices continued to move higher over the past month, but the pattern has become more erratic.
    SJ Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
  • Technology cycles are shorter, markets are more erratic and competition is becoming more worldwide.
    Raheel Sheikh, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Haphazard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haphazard. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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