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

But the effort was deeply criticized as haphazard and left behind so many Afghan allies who had risked their lives for the United States. —

Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2024 When the Obama administration tried this approach, its efforts were haphazard and ineffectual. —

Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2021 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 See all Example Sentences for haphazard

Recent Examples of Synonyms for haphazard

Adjective

When shown random pixels, the judge guessed correctly only about 59% of the time.

Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
So far, the only sign of anything amiss is the random Magic Marker doodle on the back of one of the many papers in Kornacki’s hands.

Jen Chaney, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024