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

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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 of haphazard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Joe Rogan Experience will also continue to play a big role in Spotify’s pivot to video, which remains haphazard; the platform seems to want to both build out its own in-app video experience while making money off partners like The Joe Rogan Experience by helping monetize it on YouTube. —

Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2024 The decision-making process on China policy was equally haphazard. —

Evan Medeiros, Foreign Affairs, 17 Mar. 2021 From 2018 to 2022, Baltimore had nearly twice the rate of heroin and fentanyl fatalities of any similarly sized city, according to a report from the New York Times that found the city’s response to the crisis has been haphazard and ineffective. —

Lauren Sheets Jarrell, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2024 As a result, California countermeasures can be presented on ballots in ways that are haphazard or unfair. —

Joe Mathews, The Mercury News, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for haphazard

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'haphazard.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.