noncommittal

[ non-kuh-mit-l ]

/ ˌnɒn kəˈmɪt l /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for noncommittal on Thesaurus.com

adjective

not committing oneself, or not involving committal, to a particular view, course, or the like: The senator gave us a noncommittal answer.

OTHER WORDS FOR noncommittal

indefinite, vague, equivocal, evasive, guarded.

See synonyms for noncommittal on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of noncommittal

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

OTHER WORDS FROM noncommittal

non·com·mit·tal·ly, adverb

Words nearby noncommittal

noncombustible, noncomedogenic, noncommercial, noncommissioned, noncommissioned officer, noncommittal, noncommunicable, noncommunicant, non-Communist, noncompetitive, noncompliance

How to use noncommittal in a sentence

My brother gave some noncommittal response that sounded like agreement.
Carolyn Hax: Grieving a miscarriage and getting help from an unlikely place|Carolyn Hax|May 6, 2021|Washington Post
This noncommittal oddity is part of what makes quantum computing so powerful.
Quantum Computing and Reinforcement Learning Are Joining Forces to Make Faster AI|Shelly Fan|March 16, 2021|Singularity Hub
Ledecky was noncommittal after her race in San Antonio, but her coach, Greg Meehan, said it might not make sense for Ledecky to race that distance again these next couple months.
Katie Ledecky returns to competition, picking up where pre-pandemic domination left off|Rick Maese|March 4, 2021|Washington Post
Still, when pressed on details about the search, the three were vague, offering flat, noncommittal answers that made it appear they really don’t have a plan for solving their quarterback issue.
Finding the right QB is the first — and most crucial — task for Washington’s new front office|Les Carpenter|February 4, 2021|Washington Post

The interest shown by Clark grew as Powers remained noncommittal.
Aerial Powers hesitated, so the Mystics signed a two-time champ and defensive stopper instead|Kareem Copeland|February 2, 2021|Washington Post
But the State Department is noncommittal, and sounds almost confused.
Up to Speed: 3 Things to Know About New York’s ‘Hell Week’|Christopher Dickey|September 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
They offer a model of a relationship where two adults can have an honest, respectful, enjoyable but noncommittal relationship.
Sugar Daddy Dating Sites: Helen Croydon on Her Guilty Fantasy|Helen Croydon|May 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Fager has been notably noncommittal about his star anchor, fostering the impression that he is open to a change.
Katie Couric Plots CBS Exit|Howard Kurtz|March 25, 2011|DAILY BEAST
So far, the young actor has taken that advice to heart—reading many scripts but so far remaining noncommittal.
Give This Man an Emmy|Josh Gajewski|August 15, 2010|DAILY BEAST
As for whether Hannah will hang up her handcuffs, Piper was noncommittal about the future of Secret Diary.
Diary of a Not-So-Secret Call Girl|Jace Lacob|January 24, 2010|DAILY BEAST
The girl held a geranium leaf up to her nose and said nothing, but looked knowing and noncommittal.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin
The recipient of this noncommittal and uninforming formula again wrote the Expurgo Manufacturing Company, asking for quantities.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2|Various
"I believe so," Miss Mathewson replied in the noncommittal manner of the professional man's confidential assistant.
Red Pepper Burns|Grace S. Richmond
Porter grinned a noncommittal grin and devoted himself to the wheel.
The Girl and The Bill|Bannister Merwin
"Oh, he isn't half bad," answered Bruce, in a somewhat noncommittal manner.
Frank Merriwell's Races|Burt L. Standish

British Dictionary definitions for noncommittal

noncommittal

/ (ˌnɒnkəˈmɪtəl) /

adjective

not involving or revealing commitment to any particular opinion or course of actiona noncommittal reply

rare having no outstanding quality, meaning, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noncommittal

OTHER WORDS FOR noncommittal

Origin of noncommittal

OTHER WORDS FROM noncommittal

Words nearby noncommittal

Words related to noncommittal

How to use noncommittal in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for noncommittal