off-the-cuff

[awf-thuh-kuhf, of-] / ˈɔf ðəˈkʌf, ˈɒf- /

ADJECTIVE

extemporaneous

Synonyms

WEAK

ad hoc ad-lib automatic autoschediastic by ear casual expedient extemporary extempore fake free immediate impromptu improv improvisatory improvised improviso informal jamming made-up makeshift offhand on impulse on-the-spot snap spontaneous spur-of-the-moment toss off toss out unplanned unpremeditated unprepared unrehearsed unstudied winging it

off the cuff

ADJECTIVE

impromptu

Synonyms

WEAK

ad-lib extemporaneous improv improvised improviso offhand played by ear shot from the hip spontaneous spur-of-the-moment unpremeditated unprepared unrehearsed unscripted whipped up winged

ADJECTIVE

without preparation

Synonyms

WEAK

ad-lib by ear extemporaneously impromptu improv improvised makeshift off the hip off the top of one's head offhand spur of the moment unrehearsed

ADVERB

without preparation

Synonyms

WEAK

ad-lib by ear extemporaneously impromptu improv improvised makeshift off the hip off the top of one's head offhand unrehearsed

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’s quick with ripostes, righteous in off-the-cuff remarks and has a do-gooder aura that never comes off as sanctimonious.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

The US president has been commenting on the conflict almost in real time in seemingly off-the-cuff exchanges with reporters, including from AFP, who call his cell phone.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

The entire exchange feels rehearsed, even though it’s clear Vance is hoping to channel some of that off-the-cuff energy that made Obama’s chat with podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen so entertaining.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Carson’s amazing comedic monologues and silly antics gave viewers humor without being annoying, his off-the-cuff quips were hilarious, and interviews with interesting guests sparked laughter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

They’re fighting for control of our psychic selves; the empathy box on one hand, Buster’s guffaws and off-the-cuff jibes on the other.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

off-the-cuff

Example Sentences

Related Words