Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

off-color

[awf-kuhl-er, of-] / ˈɔfˈkʌl ər, ˈɒf- /


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 it isn’t returning to its past image, which some people considered inappropriate and off-color by focusing too much on idealized images of beauty.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

According to the New York Times, Trump liked Lewandowski for his “feisty instincts and off-color humor” but he ended up reluctantly firing him after he’d manhandled a reporter.

From Salon • Oct. 17, 2025

But let’s be clear: Plenty of people wrote mean, off-color things that they wouldn’t say out loud.

From Slate • Sep. 11, 2025

That off-color joke to me was in tune with the Harris campaign, putting joy and laughter into something serious.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2024

An off-color anecdote, a laugh in the wrong place.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee




Vocabulary lists containing off-color


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "off-color" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com