Definitions

off the record

[awf-thuh-rek-erd, of-] / ˈɔf ðəˈrɛk ərd, ˈɒf- /

ADJECTIVE

confidential

Synonyms

WEAK

arcane backdoor classified hush-hush hushed in private inside not for publication not public on the Q.T. private privy secret unofficial

ADJECTIVE

not for the record

Synonyms

WEAK

confidential eyes-only for no other ears in confidence not for publication not to be quoted on the Q.T. sensitive unofficial within these four walls

ADVERB

not for the record

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confidentially privately

WEAK

between us eyes-only for no other ears in confidence not for publication not to be quoted on the Q.T. secretly unofficially within these four walls

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.

But many a conversation, often off the record, has been had over coffee in the hospitality areas.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

“We are just over 5% off the record high,” Turnquist of the S&P 500.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

The hearing abruptly went off the record as staff scrambled to figure out who had violated House rules.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

Mr. Whipple, in his media victory lap, told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that normally when he’s spoken to former chiefs of staff they’ve toggled between background, off the record and on.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

But Dad forgot all this stuff real quick and got excited about showing off the record player.

From "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" by Christopher Paul Curtis

off the record

Example Sentences

Related Words