off-color

adjective

ˈȯf-ˈkə-lər How to pronounce off-color (audio)
variants or off-colored
Definition of off-colornext
as in suggestive
hinting at or intended to call to mind matters regarded as indecent the movie was rated PG-13 for some swearing and off-color jokes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of off-color The show was full of uproarious, often provocative sketches, per Black's unique gift for off-color material. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026 As trade envoy, Andrew became known for practical jokes and off-color remarks, which British diplomats had to tolerate because of his titles. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026 Jackson made the screening audience gasp multiple times during the Q&A, with off-color remarks about some of Combs’ accusers. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 June 2026 The problem for Platner is that his marital behavior follows a string of reports about offensive and off-color Reddit posts as well as a tattoo with a Nazi symbol. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for off-color
Recent Examples of Synonyms for off-color
  1. suggestive
  2. spicy
  3. blue
Adjective
  • Since the sandworm, several other buckets have gone viral, many for suggestive designs.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Presley electrified audiences with his suggestive hip-swiveling, long sideburns, and leather jackets.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 26 June 2026
Definition of suggestive
Adjective
  • Just toss the wedges with some oil, and season with the spicy salt.
    — Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 6 July 2026
  • Yassine Bounou had to deal with a couple of spicy crosses and made one really good save to smother a Tani Oluwaseyi chance.
    — Carl Anka, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of spicy
Adjective
  • Patrouille de France, the French Air Force’s acrobatic teams, flew over New York Harbor with their red, white and blue trails, evoking images of the American flag.
    — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Cliff divers jump and twirl into a blue lagoon, puppeteers put on tableside shows and magicians make the rounds.
    — Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of blue

Browse Nearby Words

offbeat
off-color
offed
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Cite this Entry

“Off-color.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off-color. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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