off-the-record

adjective

Definition of off-the-recordnext
as in closed-door

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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-the-record Defense attorney Russell Wilson’s opening statements centered on Roach’s decision to close the overflow courtroom during the majority of the trial and multiple off-the-record proceedings that occurred, Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV reported. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2026 Anthony’s lawyers also accuse prosecutors of breaking an off-the-record agreement about character evidence and other alleged acts unrelated to the murder charge. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026 Page told the Post that at the time she was summoned to an off-the-record conversation in which the White House Press and security officials told her about the secret operation. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 Dialog has been described as Bilderberg (an off-the-record gathering of political and business elite) meets Silicon Valley salon. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for off-the-record
Recent Examples of Synonyms for off-the-record
  1. closed-door
  2. off-the-books
  3. back-channel
  4. confidential
  5. clandestine
  6. surreptitious
Adjective
  • Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates departs after a closed-door interview with the House Oversight Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2026.
    — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 23 June 2026
Definition of closed-door
Adjective
  • Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers arranged secret, off-the-books sponsorship deals for Kawhi Leonard to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap, first reported by The New York Times.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Leonard, who made tens of millions in off-the-books, no-show endorsements, made out like a bandit with this settlement, especially since his $51 million contract for the coming season was not voided.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of off-the-books
Adjective
  • Rubio has led back-channel talks with Raúl Castro’s grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, but Cuban officials say talks with the administration are at a stalemate.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Pakistan has been an important back-channel player in reaching Iran, and the positive tone of its comments eased oil markets a bit.
    — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of back-channel
Adjective
  • Those new details were included in the lengthy confidential investigative report compiled by Cornell and reviewed by ABC News.
    — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The former couple have also been ordered to attend confidential mediation about custody.
    — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of confidential
Adjective
  • As Béatrice’s amateur detective work pulls her in deeper, the strands begin to suggest a conspiracy, one marked by mysterious disappearances and the clandestine sway of the Vatican.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Other entries referenced covert access, clandestine technical operations and telecommunications interception.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • To unearth these surreptitious practices, Gamers Nexus partnered up with independent security researchers and Level1Techs.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 10 Sep. 2026
  • And in 1911 a disgruntled ex-Mormon hid a camera under his coat and snapped surreptitious photos of the temple’s interior in an unsuccessful attempt to blackmail the church.
    — Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of surreptitious

Browse Nearby Words

off-the-rack
off-the-record
off-the-shelf
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Off-the-record.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off-the-record. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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