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.
But Trump, in announcing the meeting, was noncommittal about any coming American security guarantees. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 27 Feb. 2025 Weeks later, Rodgers flew from California to New Jersey to meet with the new leadership team after each was noncommittal about his status during the introductory press conference in late January. Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025 Redick was noncommittal when asked whether Doncic would play in both games of the team’s back-to-backs moving forward. Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 20 Feb. 2025 Coach Brian Keefe was noncommittal about whether Smart and Middleton will play Friday when the Wizards host the Bucks. Josh Robbins, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 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 3 Mar. 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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