as in impromptu
made or done without previous thought or preparation
an offhand comment that later caused the politician much embarrassment
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in casually
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of offhand
Kelsey Stewart, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
Punt e Mes 3 dashes Angostura Bitters This certainly isn’t the most popular of Manhattan variations, despite being one of the few scotch cocktails people can name offhand.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
Lance Eliot, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2021
Thomas didn’t know offhand but circled back to him with the answer: Six.
—Amie Just | Staff Writer, NOLA.com, 25 Dec. 2020
See All Example Sentences for offhand
Adjective
That offhand remark set everything in motion, from the designs to the dance floor.
—Kelsey Stewart, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
Punt e Mes 3 dashes Angostura Bitters This certainly isn’t the most popular of Manhattan variations, despite being one of the few scotch cocktails people can name offhand.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
Adverb
The Trolley Problem entails having to make difficult choices, contextually herein in the nature of driving decisions, and is often offhand dismissed by some as a misleading folly in the self-driving realm.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2021
Thomas didn’t know offhand but circled back to him with the answer: Six.
—Amie Just | Staff Writer, NOLA.com, 25 Dec. 2020
See All Example Sentences for offhand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offhand
Adjective
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Why does the wedding photographer offer them an impromptu photo shoot — for free?—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Apr. 2026
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Following his impromptu genesis, Mario quickly evolved.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
5 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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This is all thanks to the full moon in Libra on April 1, igniting your 11th house, bringing clarity within friendships, group dynamics or a connection that may have started casually but revealed deeper romantic potential.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 Apr. 2026
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The longline fit and open front feels like being ensconced in your favorite blanket (even when seated in coach), but while the sweater can be worn casually, it can also be dressed up and worn with a maxi dress, wide-leg jeans, or even a silk midi skirt.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In Russia and Ukraine, soldiers have learned to protect their tanks from drone strikes using improvised nets and boxes, which cover the vehicles like a turtle shell.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
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Last year, British electronic producer Actress and modular synthesis pioneer Suzanne Ciani performed an improvised piece titled Concrète Waves at the Barbican in London and Barcelona’s Sónar Festival.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
27 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Sometimes, Academy Award-winning actress Sandra Bullock will offhandedly give you career advice.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
28 Nov. 2025
-
The tragedy side of things is addressed rather offhandedly — occasionally the movie will remember the boggling grief and betrayal at its center, only to shrug it off again just as quickly.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Its meticulous mise en scène is that of candid, improvisational home life.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2026
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The innovative improvisational metal trio Puscifer, which also has performance art elements, was founded by Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
4 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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According to Jackson, the majority arbitrarily collapses that distinction simply because the treatment is delivered orally.—
Kevin Cope,
The Conversation,
3 Apr. 2026
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Salvadoran nationals who were deported from the United States have been arbitrarily detained in El Salvador and have disappeared into the Central American nation's prison system, according to a Human Rights Watch report released on Monday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Treat the produce section carelessly.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
3 Apr. 2026
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Residents were treated carelessly, disrespectfully, insensitively.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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In this alternate past, a fatal blood virus, known informally as the Red Wind, has been ravaging the population for about a decade.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
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Mehl notes that some organizations attempt to manage IT informally, purchasing software subscriptions and hardware without building a structured support system around them.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Offhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offhand. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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