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.

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

From MarketWatch • Feb. 2, 2026

There’s a higher threshold of plausible deniability with movies.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2026

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 • Dec. 30, 2025

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

And plausible deniability doesn’t sound so good, either.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

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