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Definitions

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

With most of the decisions already made, the Two Sessions are mainly a talking shop with little room for spontaneity or off-the-cuff comments.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

Few people deliver more creative off-the-cuff insults than lawyers.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2025

A love of off-the-cuff attacking rugby was one of the reasons behind her move from Saracens to Loughborough Lightning in 2020.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2025

“You know stomach ailments, sir,” I say, attempting an off-the-cuff improv.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.