at first glance

ADJECTIVE

extemporaneous/extemporary

Synonyms

WEAK

ad hoc ad lib automatic by ear casual expedient extempore free immediate impromptu improv improvisatory improviso informal jamming made-up makeshift off the cuff off the top of head offhand on impulse on-the-spot snap spontaneous spur-of-the-moment taking for ride thought out loud tossed off tossed out unplanned unpremeditated unprepared unstudied winging it

Antonyms

WEAK

planned prepared read rehearsed written

ADVERB

superficially

Synonyms

STRONGEST

outwardly

WEAK

apparently carelessly casually externally extraneously flimsily frivolously hastily ignorantly not profoundly not thoroughly on the surface once over lightly ostensibly partially skim to the casual eye

Antonyms

WEAK

carefully deeply thoroughly

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.

The latest exuberance in equities did not reflect as broad and generous a market bounce as it might appear at first glance.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

The things she keeps are not, at first glance, remarkable.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

You don’t need fireworks or an angelic choir singing at first glance.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

The gain might look a little underwhelming at first glance, but price targets rise with earnings growth.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Mr. Remora was small and wiry and balding, and at first glance he looked anything but intimidating.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

at first glance

Example Sentences

Related Words