OFFHANDED Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

offhanded

adjective

ˈȯf-ˈhan-dəd

Definition of offhanded

as in impromptu

made or done without previous thought or preparation a quick, offhanded suggestion that was actually much better than any of the prepared proposals

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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 offhanded An almost offhanded mention of suicide in passing is as close to heavy-handed as things get. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026 The songs on the last few Bon Iver albums often sound like excerpts from a longer dialogue, at turns offhanded and intense, among collaborators. — Mitch Therieau, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026 So this little offhanded comment of his changed my life. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 Mistress constantly has her wheels turning looking for avenues to rattle the queens, but Nicole does so with a single offhanded comment that cuts to the quick. — Chris Feil, Vulture, 23 May 2025 During last week's postgame media availability, Jalen Hurts made a seemingly offhanded comment about Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. — Chantz Martin, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025 In a recent interview, the former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy made an offhanded comment that connected a few dots for me. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for offhanded

Adjective

With no timeouts, the Raiders rushed to the line and O’Connell, with help from an impromptu tush-push from Chris Myarick, took it across the goal line with 14 seconds left.

— Sam Warren, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
The frequent gatherings are often impromptu affairs, sometimes with a singular ingredient sparking the idea.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of impromptu

Adjective

That's enough to loosen steep slopes where some of the 210,000 islanders live off the grid in improvised housing.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Forecasters warn that up to 25 inches of rain and powerful winds could trigger life-threatening flooding, mudslides and even wildfires, especially in remote communities where many residents live off the grid in improvised housing.

— Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of improvised

Adjective

McCollough thought Watts was a comedic genius, and the pair shared a similar sense of humor, establishing their own bits and improvisational riffs.

— Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of improvisational

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offhand

offhanded

offhandedly

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“Offhanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offhanded. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of offhanded

adjective

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