deniability

[ dih-nahy-uh-bil-uh-tee ]

noun

1. the ability to deny something, as knowledge of or connection with an illegal activity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of deniability¹

First recorded in 1970–75; deniable + -ity

Example Sentences

One business hires another business, and the separation shields the former from liability, providing plausible deniability.

From Voice of San Diego

That comports with the warnings by advocates, who have long called voluntary inspections merely a box-ticking exercise designed to give brands deniability if problems later emerge.

From Time

There’s a premium on saying things that are technically true — or at least carry plausible deniability — even if they’re misleading.

From Washington Post

There’s almost some plausible deniability at play, to a certain extent.

From Digiday

Their lips meet, and they push past the point of deniability.

From Washington Post

Even when plausible deniability crumbles, the brainwashed paste it back together again.

From The Daily Beast

In one sense, Walt is providing Skyler with plausible deniability here.

From The Daily Beast

In the previous episodes involving SAC employees or former SAC employees, Cohen had plausible deniability.

From The Daily Beast

These things were usually perpetrated with plenty of plausible deniability.

From The Daily Beast

The Brits learned this from the Swiss, who were the original masters of plausible deniability.

From The Daily Beast