OFFHAND Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

offhand 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of offhand

as in impromptu

made or done without previous thought or preparation an offhand comment that later caused the politician much embarrassment

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offhand

2 of 2

adverb

as in casually

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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 offhand

Adjective

Vocals have an offhand nonchalance instead of hogging the spotlight, melodies sneak up on you rather than announce themselves, and the guitars avoid crunchy riffs and overdriven twang in favor of tart rambling and clean supporting chords. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 19 June 2026 Spinella shucks off sentimentality, always showing us Con’s offhand humor and sometimes nervous, defensive rambling. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 3 June 2026

Adverb

Many hunters used to regularly shoot offhand, including the great Jack O’Connor. — Tyler Freel, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2020 His willingness to eat what the locals eat, not dismiss it offhand as weird or scary but to shine a light on it, opened a window for his viewers to the food of Thailand that will be felt for a long time. — Anna Spoerre, OregonLive.com, 12 June 2018 See All Example Sentences for offhand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for offhand

Adjective

Arepas and coffee anchor impromptu support circles, as grieving customers cling to fragile hope for the missing.

— Melody Xu, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
An impromptu blind date with a handsome rapist ends with Esther punching him square in the nose, his blood gushing through her fingers.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026

Definition of impromptu

Adverb

Nimin High-Waisted Trousers This trouser option comes in short lengths and can be worn casually with comfy sneakers for brunch, or dressed up with a blouse for the office.

— Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
The actress arrived at the stadium sporting tight curls and a red tracksuit, while Swift opted for an all-black ensemble, with a red jacket–which showed her support for the Kansas City Chiefs–casually draped over her shoulders.

— Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 4 July 2026

Definition of casually

Adjective

Outside hospitals, temporary shelters and improvised morgues, relatives continue posting photographs and names of missing family members on social media, hoping someone might recognize them or provide information about their fate.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
An improvised rescue operation is searching for survivors after Venezuela’s historic earthquakes.

— Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 1 July 2026

Definition of improvised

Adjective

Leigh is known for making films in a collaborative, improvisational process with his performers and has stayed close with O’Flynn through the years.

— Josef Adalian, Vulture, 29 June 2026
The 34th annual edition of this popular festival, which focuses on improvisational, funk, roots and various styles of jam band music, takes place at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley.

— Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 25 June 2026

Definition of improvisational

Adverb

Discussions on workforce capacity often arbitrarily stop counting at age 64, despite concerns over talent shortages and aging populations.

— Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Six justices agreed that arbitrarily limiting how much party committees can spend in conjunction with their nominees violates the First Amendment.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 30 June 2026

Definition of arbitrarily

Adverb

Officials said activities connected to people ‒ from fireworks to carelessly discarded cigarettes ‒ have sparked 75% of wildfires in Utah in 2026.

— Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Under a new Douglas County ordinance, illegally operating an OHV, driving one carelessly or recklessly, and not wearing a helmet if under 18 could land you with up to a $1,000 fine.

— Olivia Young, CBS News, 24 June 2026

Definition of carelessly

Adverb

Clyne returned to Palace, initially being invited to train with the club informally in September 2020 before he was awarded a contract until the end of January, which was then extended several times.

— Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Gehrig, the New York Yankees player for whom the disease was informally named, brought global awareness to ALS after his diagnosis in the 1930s.

— Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Definition of informally

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“Offhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offhand. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of offhand

adjective

adverb

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