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deniability

American

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

noun

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

Etymology

Origin of deniability

First recorded in 1970–75; deniable + -ity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Using a fictitious group gives Iran plausible deniability while amplifying confusion, said Julian Lanchès of the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Separately, the emails your brother and/or her lawyer sent you could give them plausible deniability.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 2, 2026

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 • Nov. 14, 2025

Covert action offers deniability but may not satisfy the political need to visibly restore deterrence, says Christopher Clary of the University at Albany in the US.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2025

But the president had one valuable asset: deniability.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023