offhanded
Done without thought
Offhanded describes something done casually, without much thought or preparation—often dismissively so.
An offhanded remark seems tossed off without consideration for its impact.
An offhanded manner suggests indifference or lack of engagement.
The word can imply either effortless ease or careless disregard, depending on context.
Also spelled offhand.
Dismissively unconcerned
- contemptuousShowing open disrespect
- disdainfulShowing open contempt
- condescendingSuperior and dismissive manner
- superciliousArrogantly contemptuous of others
snide · belittling · disparaging · scornful · patronizing · haughty · derisive · curt
Done without advance preparation
- ad-libUnscripted speech or remark
- unrehearsedNot practiced beforehand
- unscriptedNot pre-written
- off-the-cuffUnplanned, unrehearsed
spur-of-the-moment · improvised · unplanned · spontaneous · on-the-spot · unprepared · unpremeditated · ad-hoc
Calmly unconcerned
- breezyMildly windy, or nonchalant
- laid-backCalm and unhurried
- easygoingRelaxed in temperament
- relaxedFree of stress
effortless · airy · light-hearted · unstudied · natural · unaffected · blithe · easy
cavalier
Dismissively unconcerned
- contemptuousShowing open disrespect
- disdainfulShowing open contempt
- condescendingSuperior and dismissive manner
supercilious · snide · belittling · disparaging · scornful · patronizing · haughty · derisive · curt · brusque
extemporaneous
Done without advance preparation
- ad-libUnscripted speech or remark
- unrehearsedNot practiced beforehand
- unscriptedNot pre-written
off-the-cuff · spur-of-the-moment · improvised · unplanned · spontaneous · on-the-spot · unprepared · unpremeditated · ad-hoc · snap
nonchalant
Calmly unconcerned
relaxed · effortless · airy · light-hearted · unstudied · natural · unaffected · blithe · easy · informal
- ___-handed wordsleft-handed, right-handed, two-handed, one-handed, empty-handed
offhandeddeliberate
Consciously chosen, not accidental
premeditated · planned · prepared · intentional · rehearsed
offhandedformal
Following strict protocol
ceremonious · solemn · earnest · serious · stately
offhandedcareful
Exercising caution and attention
thoughtful · attentive · considerate · mindful · meticulous