off-key

[awf-kee, of-] / ˈɔfˈki, ˈɒf- /

ADJECTIVE

not sounding right

Synonyms

STRONGEST

discordant dissonant

WEAK

abnormal anomalous clinker deviant divergent flat inharmonious irregular jarring not harmonious off-pitch off-tone out of keeping out of pitch out-of-tune sour sour note unmusical unnatural untuned

Antonyms

STRONGEST

concordant harmonious

WEAK

on-key

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.

He and his comrades were often forced to sing Soviet songs and were punished if they didn't sing "loud enough or sang off-key".

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

After Hegseth gave us his version of news headlines, he performed a brief off-key song and dance before skating out of the room having accomplished little and settling nothing.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

Stewart and the correspondents then serenaded the president with an off-key tune filled with compliments and praises.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2025

True to Caray, it appealed to the masses for being endearingly off-key.

From New York Times • Aug. 4, 2023

“Pop and poke,” she sang in an off-key, slightly panicked voice.

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi

off-key

Example Sentences

Related Words