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 As late as last week, Weiss was still expected to speak at The Seminar, an off-the-record gathering of PR professionals in Scottsdale, Arizona. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 8 June 2026 In February, Carro held a 27-minute, off-the-record bench conference during an otherwise public hearing. — ABC News, 3 June 2026 Conecta Summit, an invitation-only session, will bring together 20 senior international executives from studios, streamers, production companies and big tech in a closed-door, off-the-record setting. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 11 May 2026 Ars recently visited True Anomaly’s headquarters for an off-the-record tour, then sat down with Rogers to chat about the vision, risks, and rewards in True Anomaly’s orbit. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 19 Mar. 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
  • In Disclosure Day, cybersecurity expert Daniel Kellner (O’Connor) steals files confirming alien contact from the Wardex Corporation, an off-the-books non-governmental organization.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
  • But statistics fail to convey the humanity of yard sales—the caprice, whimsy, and high spirits, as well as the cunning, weirdness, and heartbreak, that charge and thicken the air when two people agree to perform an off-the-books monetary transaction.
    — Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Definition of off-the-books
Adjective
  • 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
  • The real deals are locked in over late-night dinners, back-channel texts and quiet handshakes months in advance.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of back-channel
Adjective
  • The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA) provides free, confidential 24/7 support via phone, text, and chat in English and Spanish.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The sequel introduced the Book of Secrets, a classified collection of confidential information passed between presidents.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of confidential
Adjective
  • The clandestine manner in which LG monitors were installing ad-pushing software onto third-party devices, however, remains seriously concerning.
    — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The clandestine transits have changed the game for the Middle Eastern oil industry.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • In early April 2007, I was invited to a surreptitious dinner with the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s music director Esa-Pekka Salonen and the orchestra’s president, Deborah Borda.
    — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The surreptitious approach consists of asking AI to suggest ways to bypass the myriad restrictions.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 23 July 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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