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.
Trump has been noncommittal about resuming assistance to Ukraine, saying over the weekend that the minerals agreement would not be enough. Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025 Speculation and/or manifestation that The Batman star Robert Pattinson would also play Batman in the wider DC Universe only increased after The Batman director Matt Reeves gave a noncommittal answer about the possibility in a January interview at the Golden Globes. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2025 For noncommittal backyard chicken owners, Rent The Chicken offersdelivery and setup up of a coop, two to four young egg-laying hens, chicken feed, and food dishes for a five-to-six month rental period. Carly Mallenbaum, Axios, 15 Feb. 2025 Defenses caught up to Slowik, Texans in 2024 While Stroud was supportive of Slowik returning for a third season at end-of-season media availability, Ryans seemed noncommittal. The Athletic Nfl Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 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 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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