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Definition of haphazardnext

haphazard

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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
Coordinating a five-star trip through Egypt has been a disjointed, somewhat haphazard undertaking, with inconsistent service and quality standards from location to location. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2025 Along the perimeter were our tents, in a haphazard row, each one covered with blue tarp to keep out the fierce rain that sometimes seemed not to fall so much as blast horizontally across the face of the earth. Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025 The Celtics fell behind 17-4 during a haphazard start that featured two turnovers by Brown and one by White. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2025 But that won’t undo the haphazard nature of these first two episodes. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for haphazard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haphazard
Adjective
  • Even more striking, the gas moved in a very orderly and coherent way, with far less random motion than the surrounding stars.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Not random or easily forgotten.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • When a mysterious and legendary skeleton, badly injured, randomly resurfaced in 2018, an interdisciplinary team of researchers went to work to find out who the person was.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The adults were randomly separated into two groups.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Its fractured, scattered form, grasping for structure instead of pretending to master it, is an attempt to build a future that will include both author and reader.
    Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 1 Jan. 2026
  • On Sunday, rain will pick up across the Midwest from Kansas and Missouri through Ohio and Pennsylvania while scattered thunderstorms are possible from Arkansas up to Ohio, with some possibly strong enough to bring gusty winds and maybe an isolated tornado.
    Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 27 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • The National Police has been repeatedly cited by national and international human rights organizations for excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, and the mistreatment of protesters and civilians.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Critics say those distinctions are arbitrary and unfair, being based on outdated assumptions and bad science.
    Kevin Krause, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • These large waves can be erratic and unpredictable.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The addiction eventually took its toll, and Chase became more erratic and difficult to work with.
    Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Haphazard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haphazard. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on haphazard

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