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Definitions

off-key

[awf-kee, of-] / ˈɔfˈki, ˈɒf- /
ADJECTIVE
not sounding right
Synonyms
STRONGEST
discordant dissonant
WEAK
abnormal anomalous clinker deviant divergent flat inharmonious irregular jarring not harmonious off-pitch off-tone out of keeping out of pitch out-of-tune sour sour note unmusical unnatural untuned
Antonyms
STRONGEST
concordant harmonious
WEAK
on-key

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.

Off-key toaster hums are a biggie, but neighborhoods and even street corners themselves may be contributing factors.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2019

Off-key and out of rhythm he may have been yesterday, five months of awfulness finally catching up with him, but he remains the ultimate competitor.

From The Guardian • Apr. 12, 2010

Off-key efforts to replicate an in-store experience are usually overly reliant on Flash technology and needlessly saturated with music and videos.

From Time Magazine Archive