OFF-THE-CUFF Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

off-the-cuff

adjective

ˈȯf-ṯẖə-ˈkəf

Definition of off-the-cuff

as in impromptu

made or done without previous thought or preparation having gotten into hot water with some unfortunate off-the-cuff remarks, the candidate now limits himself to his carefully prepared campaign speech

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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-the-cuff Property management teams are encouraged to converse with residents to gain their off-the-cuff thoughts about the value of different amenities, Khouri says. — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Lines that seem artlessly off-the-cuff on first pass accrue an unexpected weight and purpose the fourth time through; the countrified guitar lick that sounds so chipper at the start of a song is dripping with melancholy by the end. — Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 4 June 2026 This monologue, somewhat off-the-cuff and emotional, is one of the moments where the former disappeared and the latter became beloved. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 20 May 2026 The film feels fresh and off-the-cuff, as if someone traveled back to 1940 with an iPhone and hit record, chronicling the dark years of far-right obedience and moral decadence. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for off-the-cuff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for off-the-cuff

Adjective

On the flight after the impromptu stop, Yeltsin sat motionless with his head in his hands, considering the bare shelves of Soviet food markets.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
The Pitmate™ electric smoker makes authentic BBQ practical enough for weeknight dinners, impromptu family gatherings, and casual outdoor entertaining.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of impromptu

Adjective

This reflects the improvisational attitude that Pan, who has released several albums, first developed as a genre-defying musician and composer.

— News Desk, Artforum, 31 July 2026
Kiesler and his heirs envisioned architecture that would make the arts more available, provisional, improvisational, democratic, and participatory, more playful and less aloof.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026

Definition of improvisational

Adjective

That's enough to loosen steep slopes where some of the 210,000 islanders live off the grid in improvised housing.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Forecasters warn that up to 25 inches of rain and powerful winds could trigger life-threatening flooding, mudslides and even wildfires, especially in remote communities where many residents live off the grid in improvised housing.

— Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of improvised

Browse Nearby Words

off-the-books

off-the-cuff

off-the-peg

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“Off-the-cuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off-the-cuff. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of off-the-cuff

adjective

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