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
ˌnän-kə-ˈmi-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce noncommittal (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of noncommittal

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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.
Think of this cut as the noncommittal version of full fringe. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026 My child’s lack of response combined with their noncommittal attitude toward a visit with me makes planning a small family wedding a difficult task. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 28 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 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 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

Rhymes for noncommittal

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Browse Nearby Words

noncommitment
noncommittal
noncommittalism
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Cite this Entry

“Noncommittal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noncommittal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce noncommittal (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on noncommittal

Nglish: Translation of noncommittal for Spanish Speakers

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