off-putting

adjective

off-put·​ting ˈȯf-ˌpu̇-tiŋ How to pronounce off-putting (audio)
Synonyms of off-putting
: that puts one off : repellent, disconcerting
an off-putting attitude
off-puttingly
ˈȯf-ˌpu̇-tiŋ-lē How to pronounce off-putting (audio)
adverb

Examples of off-putting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His lacerating wit spares no member of his staff—a mix of true incompetents, off-putting savants, ticking time bombs, and onetime offenders prematurely consigned to professional purgatory. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026 Michele starred in all six seasons of Glee’s original run from 2009-15 as Rachel, the very talented and occasionally off-putting star vocalist of the McKinley High School show choir, New Directions. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 That song hits at the heart of what’s off-putting about Bass. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026 How bizarre, off-putting and disconnected from the NFL would that be? — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for off-putting

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-putting was in 1935

Rhymes for off-putting

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Browse Nearby Words

offprint
off-putting
offr
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Cite this Entry

“Off-putting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-putting. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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