noncommittal

[non-kuh-mit-l]

adjective

1. not committing oneself, or not involving committal, to a particular view, course, or the like.

   The senator gave us a noncommittal answer.

   Synonyms: guarded, evasive, equivocal, vague, indefinite

noncommittal

/ ˌnɒnkəˈmɪtəl /

adjective

1. not involving or revealing commitment to any particular opinion or course of action

   a noncommittal reply

2. rare,  having no outstanding quality, meaning, etc

Other Word Forms

• noncommittally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of noncommittal¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; non- + committal

Example Sentences

Observers noted that while the summit offered an opportunity for dialogue, the carefully staged statements, absence of press questions and noncommittal language highlighted the challenges of bridging the U.S. and Russian positions on Ukraine.

From Salon

I’m noncommittal myself on whether Lerman delivers a serviceable performance or a strong one.

From Los Angeles Times

Han knows he must exaggerate Min’s daffy naivete to get us to buy into his zeal to live in a small shack with noncommittal Chris.

From Los Angeles Times

But when asked about how it would approach rebuilding schools in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, the state agency was noncommittal.

From Los Angeles Times

Republican leaders were also noncommittal, though Wiener may wind up with their support.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ambiguous 
• careful 
• cautious 
• circumspect 
• discreet 
• equivocal 
• evasive 
• judicious 
• neutral 
• tactful 
• vague 
• wary