off the cuff

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of off the cuffnext
: without preparation : ad lib
speaking off the cuff

off-the-cuff

2 of 2

adjective

ˈȯf-ṯẖə-ˈkəf How to pronounce off-the-cuff (audio)
: not prepared in advance : spontaneous, informal
off-the-cuff remarks
off-the-cuff adverb

Synonyms of off the cuff

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of off the cuff in a Sentence

Adjective having gotten into hot water with some unfortunate off-the-cuff remarks, the candidate now limits himself to his carefully prepared campaign speech
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Phrase
William got that solo, which really is one of my favorite guitar solos ever, and it was done off the cuff. — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
To put it in breaking-bread terms, each record’s less a lavish, multi-course feast and more a regular but informal gathering of friends, getting together for some light talk and an off-the-cuff meal. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 10 Aug. 2026 Johnston’s seemingly off-the-cuff revelation came just moments before Disney’s corporate communications apparatus fired off an email alert confirming the Big Game’s sellout. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for off the cuff

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off the cuff was in 1936

Rhymes for off the cuff

See All Rhymes for off the cuff

Browse Nearby Words

off-the-books
off the cuff
off-the-cuff
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Off the cuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off%20the%20cuff. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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