OFF-COLOR Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

off-color

adjective

ˈȯf-ˈkə-lər

variants or off-colored

Definition of off-color

as in suggestive

hinting at or intended to call to mind matters regarded as indecent the movie was rated PG-13 for some swearing and off-color jokes

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of off-color The show was full of uproarious, often provocative sketches, per Black's unique gift for off-color material. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026 As trade envoy, Andrew became known for practical jokes and off-color remarks, which British diplomats had to tolerate because of his titles. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026 Some of the more off-color clips have captured more than 12 million views. — Sean Gregory, Time, 18 Feb. 2026 After bursting out of the middle of a snowman, Dusty steps down into the audience to do a little of her famous off-color crowd work. — Merrill Markoe, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for off-color

Recent Examples of Synonyms for off-color

Adjective

Messages in 2024 between Johnson and Duffey revealed the two men used suggestive language.

— Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
The silly yellow fruit that became a part of their culture was freighted, from the start, with suggestive meaning.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of suggestive

Adjective

Tender cuts of meat, spicy cucumber salads, and lobster mac and cheese are rich but not overpowering, satisfying but not overly filling, and beautifully presented.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Such a scent—defined by its brightness, as well as its signature woody and spicy character—is comprised of fresh ginger and cedar notes with the smokiness of vetiver and the roundness of tonka beans.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of spicy

Adjective

Meanwhile, the Remarkably Bright Creatures star, 33, embraced a warmer approach, with off-white jeans and a faded blue shirt under a dark blue chore jacket.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
On August 3, they were spotted in photos by Backgrid taking a swim and sharing a kiss, with Perry wearing a strapless nude one-piece swimsuit with a semi-sheer nude crochet skirt, while Trudeau went shirtless with blue swim trunks and sunglasses.

— Meg Walters, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of blue

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offbeat

off-color

offed

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“Off-color.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off-color. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of off-color

adjective

Example Sentences

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