off-the-books

adjective

ˈȯf-ṯẖə-ˈbu̇ks How to pronounce off-the-books (audio)
Synonyms of off-the-booksnext
: not reported or recorded
off-the-books transactions
off-the-books covert operations
off the books adverb

Examples of off-the-books in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But these visible figures do not include projects the hyperscalers are financing through complex leases and other off-the-books deals, which could add around $3 trillion to their borrowing over the next decade. — Ruchir Sharma, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026 According to interviews and records, Perera built an off-the-books real estate and construction business, parts of which operated in Ohio. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for off-the-books

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-the-books was in 1975

Rhymes for off-the-books

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Browse Nearby Words

off the bone
off-the-books
off the cuff
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Cite this Entry

“Off-the-books.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-the-books. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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