deniability

American  

[dih-nahy-uh-bil-uh-tee] / dɪˌnaɪ əˈbɪl ə ti /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of deniability

First recorded in 1970–75; deniable + -ity

Example Sentences

Yet Beijing chose to activate mechanisms that mobilize public opinion—indirectly shaping the behavior of businesses and consumers—and afford the government plausible deniability.

From The Wall Street Journal

These tools offer Beijing flexibility and deniability while adding volatility that can make crises worse.

From The Wall Street Journal

But until recently, I think that these guys have tried to maintain plausible deniability by showing some measure of respect as officers of the court.

From Slate

It’s not improbable that a larger share of Senate Democrats wished to reopen the government, and that Schumer helped arrange a lineup of lawmakers with the most plausible deniability.

From Slate

“Our adversaries have calculated that they can hide behind ambiguity and deniability to violate sovereignty, ignore national laws and international norms, and engage in activities such as political coercion, sabotage, and even assassinations without triggering an armed response,” Dave Pitts, a former senior official at the Central Intelligence Agency, said at a security conference in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, recently.

From The Wall Street Journal