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 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

Spelling noted that Swank returned from an impromptu meeting with show producer Paul Waigner.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026
Hansard was also the organizer behind what became known as the Christmas Eve Busk, impromptu performances on Grafton Street in Dublin to raise money for the homeless community.

— Katie Kindelan, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Definition of impromptu

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

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

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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 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of offhanded

adjective

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