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 Germany – Europe’s largest economy, and a notable holdout from toeing the Washington line on a blanket ban on Huawei and ZTE equipment – has been noncommittal. Eva Dou, Washington Post, 12 Feb. 2024 House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, was noncommittal on Wednesday about the bill's future in the lower chamber. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2024 Marks is noncommittal about the idea of making more. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 8 Feb. 2024 No answer yet Travis Kelce was noncommittal about a retirement timeline when asked about the topic on the NFL Network broadcast. Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2024 Coach John Harbaugh was noncommittal Monday when asked if Humphrey and Andrews, both multiple-time Pro Bowl selections, would face the Chiefs. Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 24 Jan. 2024 As played by Molina, Carlos is a figure who bets on his casual charm to mask his noncommittal nature and penchant for dishonesty. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2024 In the final scenes of the play, Tony and Aoife have passed away and Rosemary struggles to build a bridge between herself and the flighty, noncommittal Anthony. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2024 These friends will give noncommittal responses to invitations, accept invitations but cancel at the last minute, or arrive alone and state that their spouse could not make it. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 21 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'noncommittal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of noncommittal was in 1829

Dictionary Entries Near noncommittal

Cite this Entry

“Noncommittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noncommittal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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