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Definitions

offhand

[awf-hand, of-] / ˈɔfˈhænd, ˈɒf- /
ADJECTIVE
abrupt, careless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
casual curt easygoing folksy glib perfunctory
WEAK
aloof breezy brusque cavalier cool informal laid-back mellow unceremonious unconcerned uninterested
Antonyms
WEAK
calculated careful considered deliberate planned practiced
ADJECTIVE
ad-lib, extemporaneous
Synonyms
STRONGEST
impromptu spontaneous
WEAK
by-the-way extemporary extempore improvised informal off the cuff off the hip off the top of head spur-of-the-moment throwaway unpremeditated unprepared unrehearsed unstudied without preparation
Antonyms
WEAK
calculated careful considered deliberate planned practiced

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Her nagging conscience slips into offhand conversation: “I should probably be vegan,” Askell, an animal lover too busy for a pet, says when chatting in an office elevator.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Odds swung whenever a new Bessent interviewee was revealed and whenever the president made an offhand comment on any potential nominee.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

Lutnick said he expected Trump to sign documents in the coming days to formalise the decision, which the president revealed in an offhand remark at a televised meeting of his cabinet.

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2025

This adds yet another moment to his archive of offhand imperial delusions.

From Salon • May 26, 2025

I announce this foot part to my family in an offhand way.

From "Beast Rider" by Tony Johnston & María Elena Fontanot de Rhoads

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.