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

Normally, such an operation would allow for public deniability while sending a message to Maduro that more strikes can come at any place or time, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

"You could go back to the Middle Ages - when people are dominated, they use absurdity to speak the truth a little bit and still have plausible deniability."

From BBC

“It allows you to operate at a distance but gives you deniability and gives your agents survivability.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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