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.

On a stereotypically rainy day in Manchester, we're ushered into a kitchen that at first glance appears to be in a normal terraced house.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

That should make the allure of “The Sheep Detectives” obvious at first glance.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

Now, at first glance, you might not care too much about whether a multibillion-dollar law firm has its life made easier or harder.

From Slate • May 15, 2026

Ilunga’s garment — a streetwear-inspired jacket and shorts set — looks minimal at first glance, but up close, it’s engineered for movement.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

If he didn’t know better, that is at first glance, he could have sworn that the thing resembled nothing more than an enormous quivering....

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

at first glance

Example Sentences

Related Words