nonanswer
1
7.1
A reply that avoids the question and gives no useful information
- noun
- /ˈnɒnˌænsər/
- Literature
:
respuesta evasiva
- When spoilers that fans saw coming two books ago from your upcoming book get leaked, don't respond the way every major author in the last fifty years has and give noncommittal nonanswers to the correctness of the leak.
Examples
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The politician's speech was filled with nonanswers that left the audience confused about the real issues.
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During the meeting, her nonanswer only frustrated the team further, as they sought clarity on their project.
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His response was a classic nonanswer, failing to shed light on the important questions raised by the committee.
Synonyms
9.9
A false or nonsense answer that avoids giving a direct reply
avoids the question without using nonsense or deliberate lies
Antonyms
How Relevant
Surface Forms
nonanswer singular
nonanswers plural
Morphology
Etymology
The word nonanswer is made from non- and answer, where non- means 'not'. A nonanswer is therefore a reply that is 'not' an answer — it avoids the question or fails to address the issue.