noncommittal

adjective

non·​com·​mit·​tal ˌnän-kə-ˈmi-tᵊl How to pronounce noncommittal (audio)
Synonyms of noncommittalnext
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 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.
In a departure from the novel, the noncommittal ladies’ man also develops a fling with Percy’s childhood friend — and married woman — Delilah (​Abigail Cowen). Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026 At the time, Ryan was noncommittal when asked whether the show moving production to Rose’s home state of California for Season 4 would help facilitate her potential return, noting that Rose technically lives in the Bay Area while the new season takes place in Los Angeles. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 June 2026 Manager Kurt Suzuki was noncommittal when asked whether struggling right-hander Kirby Yates is still the closer. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 9 June 2026 Bob Myers, the Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment president who spearheaded the search for the Sixers’ new lead executive, was noncommittal when asked during a May 14 news conference about Brand’s candidacy for the upcoming lead hire. Gina Mizell, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2026 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 20 Jun. 2026.

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

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