off-color
adjective
off-col·or
ˈȯf-ˈkə-lər 
variants
or off-colored
1
a
: not having the right or standard color
b
: being out of sorts
2
a
: of doubtful propriety : dubious
b
: verging on the indecent
off-color remarks
Examples of off-color in a Sentence
the movie was rated PG-13 for some swearing and off-color jokes
Recent Examples on the Web
Yellowing can happen with some topcoats when they’re cured, giving nails an unwanted, slightly off-color tint.
—
Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
Overwatering can also result in stunted growth and off-color (yellow) foliage in annuals.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
The movie’s off-color humor wouldn’t fly today, but its rebellious spirit remains hilariously defiant — a refreshingly rude retort to the niceties of family films and their cringey feel-good messages.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 25 July 2025
Gunn’s work at Marvel was known for its blaring needle drops and an off-color snark that lined up with the franchise’s self-aware comedic stylings.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for off-color
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.
Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
Overwatering can also result in stunted growth and off-color (yellow) foliage in annuals.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
The movie’s off-color humor wouldn’t fly today, but its rebellious spirit remains hilariously defiant — a refreshingly rude retort to the niceties of family films and their cringey feel-good messages.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 25 July 2025
Gunn’s work at Marvel was known for its blaring needle drops and an off-color snark that lined up with the franchise’s self-aware comedic stylings.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for off-color
Cite this Entry
“Off-color.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-color. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share