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.

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

Musician Dougie Breslin, a regular Sunday night performer at the Derry bar, captured the off-the-cuff performance on video ahead of a gig of his own.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

Delivering off-the-cuff banter in reaction to news of the moment — a requirement for morning TV news — was not his strong suit.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

"We need more AI immigrants to help us on manufacturing floors and do work that maybe we've decided not to do anymore," said Huang, whose off-the-cuff remarks have become a popular CES tradition.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 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