noncommittal

adjective

non·​com·​mit·​tal ˌnän-kə-ˈmi-tᵊl 

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 furnaces

—J. C. Swaim

noncommittally

ˌnän-kə-ˈmi-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms

• beige
• characterless
• faceless
• featureless
• indistinctive
• neutral
• nondescript
• vanilla

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

Tobias definitely wants children; Almut is noncommittal. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 11 Oct. 2024

Frank remained noncommittal about whether Leonard would be ready. —Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2024

This seemed a noncommittal way of forcing him to explain. —Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2024

After President Joe Biden exited the presidential race following a disastrous debate performance, Trump was noncommittal about debating Harris. —Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

noncommittal

adjective

non·​com·​mit·​tal ˌnän-kə-ˈmit-ᵊl 

: not telling or showing what a person thinks or has decided

a noncommittal answer

noncommittally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb