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.

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

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

That might not seem strange at first glance.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Because at first glance it just seemed like a small hole in the ground, except it was weird there was no snow there.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega

at first glance

Example Sentences

Related Words