offhand 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of offhandnext
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

offhand

2 of 2

adverb

as in casually

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Dissimilar Words

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
She’s only mentioned in an offhand conversation between Lexi and Cassie. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026 This spring, the singer Zara Larsson, who made an offhand remark in an interview that angered Taylor Swift fans, posted a defense in an Instagram Story that included at least two typos (among them a misspelling of physical as psychical). — Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
Adverb
Mara, Lisa and Astrid say bizarre and unsettling things, their cruelty and spite sometimes offhand, sometimes calculated. — Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Apr. 2022 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 See All Example Sentences for offhand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offhand
  1. impromptu
  2. casually
  3. improvised
  4. offhandedly
  5. improvisational
  6. arbitrarily
  7. carelessly
  8. informally
Adjective
  • On the flight after the impromptu stop, Yeltsin sat motionless with his head in his hands, considering the bare shelves of Soviet food markets.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Pitmate™ electric smoker makes authentic BBQ practical enough for weeknight dinners, impromptu family gatherings, and casual outdoor entertaining.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of impromptu
Adverb
  • The warehouse manager casually replies, 'Oh, that's Customer X's inventory.
    — Natalie Lemke, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Wear these wide-leg capris casually around the house or to run errands, and then dress them up with a blouse and heels for the evening.
    — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of casually
Adjective
  • Likewise, the respite afforded by the twin hydration breaks has also reduced the need for improvised periods of gentlemanly repose, which in turn has lessened the demand for the chilly spray.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of improvised
Adverb
  • With the wedding just a few weeks away, Gail offhandedly introduces Tom to the concept of the celebrity pass, in which each person in a committed partnership is allowed to have sex with one famous person of his or her choice, identified in advance.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026
  • Cardenas announced Apollo 3 in much the same way, offhandedly during our conversation.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of offhandedly
Adjective
  • This reflects the improvisational attitude that Pan, who has released several albums, first developed as a genre-defying musician and composer.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 31 July 2026
  • Kiesler and his heirs envisioned architecture that would make the arts more available, provisional, improvisational, democratic, and participatory, more playful and less aloof.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026
Definition of improvisational
Adverb
  • Attorneys for the players said Thursday that the Cobb County court found the plaintiffs are likely to succeed on claims that the NCAA applied its eligibility rules arbitrarily and inconsistently.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The government says the law does not allow land to be taken arbitrarily.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of arbitrarily
Adverb
  • Each model can be useful, and each creates different risks when applied carelessly.
    — Keith Ferrazzi, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But when leaders use them carelessly, employees may internalize a meaning the leader never intended.
    — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of carelessly
Adverb
  • But execs have spoken informally to banks about their options, though the company hasn’t formally retained a banker, generally a key early step in an M&A process.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The decision, the spokesperson said, was disseminated to residents informally during meetings — not announced in a document or formal settings.
    — Emily Holshouser August 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of informally

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Cite this Entry

“Offhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offhand. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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