HAPHAZARD Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

haphazard 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)hap-ˈha-zərd

Definition of haphazard next

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

Examples 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

However, neither his appearance nor his attitude was haphazard. —

Bob Pisani, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2024 Instead of relying on haphazard observations and product claims, the Outside Lab @ CU Denver set up an experiment to find out which travel mug keeps beverages warmest the longest. —

Adam Trenkamp, Outside Online, 10 Oct. 2024 At times, the company seems to police videos primarily in response to public outcry, which makes its decisions inherently haphazard and potentially malleable. —

Louise Matsakis, WIRED, 2 Mar. 2018 Congress had just passed the National Flood Insurance Program in 1968, but implementation had been haphazard. —

Justin McBrien / Made By History, TIME, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for haphazard

Recent Examples of Synonyms for haphazard

Adjective

Oh, the third mode is a combination of both – sets of airbags inflate and deflate in seemingly random order – which has been perhaps my favorite setting.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025
Go and read random slave narratives and get their experience of the time.

— David Marchese, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025