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.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano was equally noncommittal when he was asked Friday morning if Messi would be available for the Atlanta game, an important match that could help Miami finish runner-up in the Eastern Conference with a victory. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025 Trump noncommittal about Obamacare subsidies Trump would not commit on Wednesday to supporting an extension of subsidies in the Affordable Care Act that are set to expire at the end of the year. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025 Warsofsky was noncommittal about whether Misa or Dickinson would play in the season opener when asked, per reports. Eric Stephens, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 The Mastermind is about an art-school dropout who becomes a noncommittal carpenter, and then, in his 30s, decides to try out a life of crime by stealing some paintings from his local museum. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 2 Oct. 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 15 Oct. 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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