noncommittal

adjective

non·​com·​mit·​tal ˌnän-kə-ˈmi-tᵊl How to pronounce noncommittal (audio)
1
: giving no clear indication of attitude or feeling
a noncommittal reply
He was noncommittal about how the money would be spent.
2
: having no clear or distinctive character
a noncommittal word which might be used of anything from babies to furnacesJ. C. Swaim
noncommittally adverb

Examples of noncommittal in a Sentence

She would only give noncommittal answers about her plans. The president remained noncommittal, saying only that all options would be considered.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Asked if Messi and other regular starters might sit out or play limited minutes against New England, which sits in 11th place in the East, Mascherano was noncommittal. Miami Herald, 8 July 2025 Asked if Bregman will be back by the time the Tampa Bay Rays arrive for four games starting Thursday, Cora was noncommittal. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025 Weaver’s activation likely means a return to the closer’s role for the 31-year-old, though manager Aaron Boone was noncommittal about the possibility Thursday. Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 20 June 2025 Trump was noncommittal Whether the U.S. would get involved had been unclear in recent days. David Rising, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for noncommittal

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of noncommittal was in 1829

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Cite this Entry

“Noncommittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noncommittal. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

noncommittal

adjective
non·​com·​mit·​tal ˌnän-kə-ˈmit-ᵊl How to pronounce noncommittal (audio)
: not telling or showing what a person thinks or has decided
a noncommittal answer
noncommittally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on noncommittal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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