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

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

The entire ordeal was put together in a somewhat haphazard way that seemed consistent with her age and experience. —

Jessie Sage, Rolling Stone, 14 Dec. 2024 Nunez’s finishing here was like Nunez’s finishing everywhere: deeply, irredeemably haphazard. —

Jack Lang, The Athletic, 10 July 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for haphazard

Recent Examples of Synonyms for haphazard

Adjective

The robot learns in a virtual environment, earning higher scores for better stacking performance with random items.

— Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025
On a random note: Long before those assignments, Chuck was pepper-sprayed covering the disturbances in Miami the morning Elián Gonzalez was whisked away by federal authorities.

— Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025