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• on-message
  on-message

  adjective

  focused on the central theme or official message of a political, business, or other organization.
• on message
  on message

  adjective

  (on-message when prenominal) adhering to or reflecting the official line of a political party, government, or other organization

on-message

American  

[on-mes-ij, awn‐] / ˈɒnˈmɛs ɪdʒ, ˈɔn‐ /

adjective

1. focused on the central theme or official message of a political, business, or other organization.

   The candidate's promises are on-message and echo the party platform. Your company’s ads should be entertaining and on-message.

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on message British  

adjective

1. (on-message when prenominal) adhering to or reflecting the official line of a political party, government, or other organization

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Etymology

Origin of on-message

First recorded in 1995–2000; on ( def. ) + message ( def. )

Example Sentences

But overall, Fivio said with a politician’s on-message discipline, he is hoping to divorce drill’s distinct musical quirks from its expected subject matter.

From New York Times • Apr. 7, 2022

He does seem to enjoy the give and take with reporters, but he likes it far more than his on-message advisers.

From Washington Post • Jan. 19, 2022

Mr Kast, though, stayed on-message at his closing rally.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2021

It was a notably sharper tone from Harris’ typically muted and on-message public appearances, where she rarely diverts from talking points or prepared remarks.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 17, 2021

Some candidates allow themselves, fatally, to answer questions directly, while others only stay on-message begrudgingly, perhaps after having touched the hot stove a time or two before.

From Slate • Oct. 21, 2018