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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

Besides, there’s ample evidence that unvarnished, off-the-cuff statements can hurt musicians more than they help.

From Salon • Feb. 4, 2026

We both love Pacino’s memoir, “Sonny Boy,” and we talk about how much we enjoyed listening to his off-the-cuff reading of it on the audiobook.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2025

We’ve all witnessed with embarrassment the off-the-cuff speaker crashing and burning at a wedding, or the panicky TV presenter “drying” on air.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith