32+ Other Ways to Say No Comment (100+ Examples)

When you feel caught on the spot, silence often feels like the safest bridge, but it can also sound a bit cold. Maybe you want to stay neutral, or perhaps you just need more time to think. Finding the right words can be tricky, so this guide shows you other ways to say no comment. You will discover many synonyms for this phrase, and learn how to say it with grace, style, and ease.

Polite Ways to Say No Comment

I Prefer Not to Say

Sometimes you want to be kind, but also firm about your privacy. This phrase works well when someone asks about your business, or a personal topic you wish to skip. It is a clear boundary, yet it does not sound rude. You are simply stating a choice, and that is totally fine. Choosing words to describe a boundary like this helps keep your peace, and your sanity, during tough chats.

• I prefer not to say anything about that right now.
• When asked about the deal, I prefer not to say more.
• Honestly, I prefer not to say what happened there.
• Please know that I prefer not to say, so let us move on.

That is Private

Privacy is a big deal, and you have every right to protect it. Using this line tells people the door is locked, and they should not try to open it. It is a very direct, and honest way to handle nosy questions. You keep the power, and you stay in control of your own secrets, which is a great place to be.

• That is private, so I will keep it to myself.
• Thanks for asking, but that is private for me.
• Please understand that is private, and I cannot share it.
• Sorry, that is private, so let us talk about something else.

I Am Keeping That to Myself

Sometimes the best answer is a simple, honest statement about your own thoughts. You are not hiding something bad, you are just choosing to hold your cards close. It sounds relaxed, yet it leaves no room for guessing games. People usually stop asking once you say this, and your afternoon can stay nice, and quiet.

• I am keeping that to myself, if that is alright.
• Really, I am keeping that to myself for the time being.
• I am keeping that to myself, so thanks for checking.
• Let us just say I am keeping that to myself.

No Remark at This Time

This sounds a bit like an official, or formal statement. It is perfect for work meetings, or when reporters ask questions you are not ready to answer. It feels professional, and cool, without giving anything away. You sound like a pro who knows when to wait, and when to speak up, which is a really handy skill to have.

• I have no remark at this time, but thanks for the offer.
• There is no remark at this time regarding the new plan.
• I have no remark at this time, so please speak to my boss.
• Sorry, no remark at this time on that specific issue.

I Do Not Have a Response

Maybe you are not sure, or you just do not want to weigh in. This phrase is a neutral way to step back. It works in almost any spot, from home to the office. You are not saying yes, or no, you are just pausing the chat. It is a safe, and easy move when you feel stuck.

• I do not have a response for you right now.
• It seems I do not have a response, maybe ask again later.
• Sadly, I do not have a response that helps you today.
• I do not have a response, as I need more time.

That is Not for Me to Share

Boundaries are important, especially when news involves other people. You might know a secret, but you choose not to be the person who spills the beans. This phrase makes you look loyal, and trustworthy. It shows you respect others, and that is a trait people really like. It is a classy way to handle sticky gossip.

• That is not for me to share, so please do not ask.
• I know, but that is not for me to share with you.
• Sorry, that is not for me to share, even if it is fun.
• Please believe that is not for me to share right now.

I Need to Stay Neutral

Sometimes you work with two sides, and you cannot pick a favorite. This phrase explains your position clearly. You are not ignoring the question, you are just choosing a path of peace. It keeps you safe from picking fights, and it shows you are a balanced person who values fairness above all else.

• I need to stay neutral, so I will pass on that.
• As a leader, I need to stay neutral on this topic.
• I need to stay neutral, so let us focus on the work.
• Sorry, I need to stay neutral, so do not count on me.

Let Us Talk About Something Else

Sometimes you just want to change the channel. This phrase is a gentle nudge to move the chat to a better topic. It is friendly, and it keeps things moving forward. You are not shutting down the person, you are just steering the ship in a different direction. It saves everyone from an awkward, and long silence.

• Let us talk about something else, like the weather.
• That is tough, so let us talk about something else.
• I am bored of this, let us talk about something else.
• Please, let us talk about something else for now.

I Am Not the Right Person to Ask

This is a helpful, and humble way to dodge a question. You are pointing the person to someone who actually knows the facts. It makes you look helpful, even when you are not giving an answer. Plus, you get to walk away without having to say a thing about the actual topic. It is a win for everyone.

• I am not the right person to ask about that.
• You should check with Mike, I am not the right person to ask.
• I am not the right person to ask, sorry about that.
• Since I am new, I am not the right person to ask.

Let Me Think About That

This is a soft way to buy time. You are not saying no, but you are not saying yes either. You are just hitting the pause button. It gives you a chance to breathe, and decide if you want to answer later. It is a polite way to keep your options open, and stay calm.

• Let me think about that, and I will get back later.
• That is a big question, so let me think about that.
• I will let me think about that, and tell you soon.
• Let me think about that, and we can chat later on.

Casual Ways to Say No Comment

I Am Passing

This is short, punchy, and very clear. You use this with friends who like to tease, or ask silly questions. It sounds like a game, and it keeps the mood light. You do not need to explain yourself, because the tone is already set. It is a quick way to keep your business, well, yours.

• I am passing on this, so ask someone else.
• No thanks, I am passing on that question today.
• I am passing, so let us go get some pizza.
• Honestly, I am passing on that, it is too weird.

Not Saying

Sometimes you can just be silly with it. This works when a friend asks something you find funny, or just plain nosy. It is playful, and it stops the chat without any drama. You are not taking the question seriously, so the other person probably will not either. It is a great way to stay cool.

• Not saying, you will have to guess the answer.
• I am not saying, so stop trying to find out.
• Not saying, it is a secret between me and me.
• You want to know, but I am not saying.

Mum is the Word

This is a classic phrase that sounds a bit fun, and mysterious. It tells people that you are not going to talk, but in a way that makes you look like a pro. It works best in social settings where you want to keep things light. It is a funny, old-school way to keep your lips sealed tight.

• Mum is the word, so I will say nothing more.
• I can tell you nothing, mum is the word.
• Mum is the word on this, so keep it quiet.
• Sorry, mum is the word, I cannot talk now.

My Lips Are Sealed

This is a very common way to say you will keep a secret. It sounds serious, but also a little bit dramatic, which makes it fun to use with close friends. You show that you are loyal, and that you will not leak any info. It is a great way to show you are a good friend.

• My lips are sealed, so you cannot get it out.
• I promise, my lips are sealed on this matter.
• Don’t worry, my lips are sealed, I am a vault.
• Since it is secret, my lips are sealed for good.

Zip It

This is a very informal way to say you are not going to give an answer. Use this only with people you know really well, or it might sound a bit harsh. It is short, and snappy, and very clear. You are telling them the conversation is over, and you are having a laugh while doing it.

• I have to zip it, so talk to you later.
• Zip it, I am not saying another word today.
• My mouth is shut, I am going to zip it.
• Just zip it, we are done with this topic.

No Dice

This is a fun way to say that you will not give any info. It sounds like you are gambling, and you have decided to fold your hand. It is very light, and easy to use in casual chats. People will get the message that you are not going to play along with their questions.

• No dice, I am not telling you that story.
• Sorry, no dice, I am staying quiet on this.
• I tried to think of an answer, but no dice.
• No dice, let us talk about something fun instead.

Can Not Do It

Sometimes you just need a simple, and honest way to say you are not giving an answer. This is a very plain way to say no. It is not rude, but it is very firm. You are telling the other person that the request is not going to happen, and you are being quite clear about it.

• I can not do it, I have to keep quiet.
• Sorry, I can not do it, I cannot talk now.
• Can not do it, so please stop asking me.
• I can not do it, so let us just chill.

Secret, Secret

If you want to be playful, this is a great way to dodge a question. It is very childish, but it works when you want to avoid a serious chat. You are making it clear that you are not going to share, and you are being lighthearted about the whole thing. It is a fun way to deflect.

• Secret, secret, I cannot tell you what I know.
• It is a secret, secret, so move on now.
• Sorry, it is a secret, secret, maybe ask later.
• You know the rules, secret, secret, no talking.

Professional Ways to Say No Comment

I Am Not at Liberty to Discuss This

This sounds very official, and it works perfectly in a work office. It tells people that you have rules to follow, and you cannot break them. It is a very polite way to say you are not allowed to talk. It keeps your job safe, and your bosses happy, which is always a good thing.

• I am not at liberty to discuss this with you.
• Sorry, I am not at liberty to discuss this today.
• I am not at liberty to discuss this, so ask HR.
• Please note I am not at liberty to discuss this matter.

That Information is Restricted

This is a very firm way to say you cannot share details. It sounds like you are working on something important, and you cannot leak any data. It works well when people ask about projects that are top secret. You sound like you are part of a team that knows how to handle big tasks.

• That information is restricted, so I cannot share it.
• Please, that information is restricted for all staff.
• I know, but that information is restricted by law.
• That information is restricted, I am sorry about that.

We Are Unable to Provide a Statement

This is the classic, professional way to end a chat. It is what you hear on the news, and it is a very standard phrase. It is not personal, so nobody can get offended. It is a great way to stay safe, and professional, when you have to deal with a lot of pressure.

• We are unable to provide a statement at this time.
• The team is unable to provide a statement on that.
• Sadly, we are unable to provide a statement today.
• I am unable to provide a statement, so stay tuned.

That is Confidential

This tells people that the topic is off limits because of privacy rules. It sounds very serious, and important. People will stop asking because they know they are touching on something they should not be looking into. It is a very effective way to end a conversation, and stay within the rules.

• That is confidential, so I cannot say a word.
• Please know that is confidential, and stays here.
• Sorry, that is confidential, I must stay quiet.
• Since that is confidential, I have no answer.

I Must Decline to Comment

This is a very clear, and direct way to say no. It is polite, but it is also very firm. You are showing that you have thought about the question, and you have decided not to answer. It is a very respectful way to handle a tough, or tricky, request from anyone.

• I must decline to comment on the new news.
• Sorry, I must decline to comment, so ask someone else.
• I must decline to comment, as it is too early.
• I must decline to comment, thanks for your time.

The Matter is Ongoing

This is a great way to say you cannot talk because the story is still moving. It tells people that you are not holding back just because you want to, but because you have to wait for the end. It is a very professional, and logical way to keep things private for now.

• The matter is ongoing, so I cannot speak yet.
• Please, the matter is ongoing, so give us time.
• I cannot talk, the matter is ongoing for the team.
• Since the matter is ongoing, I must be quiet.

No Update is Available

This is a very simple way to say you have nothing new to share. It sounds very calm, and it prevents people from pestering you for more info. You are being helpful, while also being firm. It is a great way to manage expectations when you have a lot of work to finish.

• No update is available, so check back later on.
• I am sorry, no update is available right now.
• We checked, but no update is available at this time.
• As of now, no update is available for you.

I Am Not Authorized to Speak on That

This is the ultimate professional way to say you cannot talk. It tells people that you do not have the power, or the job title, to share information. It takes the weight off your shoulders, and puts the focus on the actual rules of the office. It is very easy, and clean.

• I am not authorized to speak on that topic.
• Ask my boss, I am not authorized to speak on that.
• Please, I am not authorized to speak on that matter.
• I am not authorized to speak on that, sorry friend.

This Topic is Closed

This is a very direct way to say the conversation is over. You are not giving them an inch, but you are not being mean about it either. It is a great way to end a chat that has gone on for too long. You are setting a clear boundary, and moving on with your day.

• This topic is closed, so let us talk about lunch.
• I am sorry, this topic is closed for good.
• This topic is closed, please do not ask again.
• Since this topic is closed, let us stop here.

Diplomatic Ways to Say No Comment

I Would Rather Not Discuss That

This is a very soft, and kind way to say no. You are showing that you have a choice, and you are choosing to be polite. It works well with friends, or people you want to keep on your side. It is a very gentle way to shut down a question you do not like.

• I would rather not discuss that with you today.
• Thanks, but I would rather not discuss that now.
• I would rather not discuss that, it is too sad.
• Please, I would rather not discuss that anymore.

Let Us Focus on the Future

This is a classic move. You are ignoring the question, and pointing to something that everyone can agree on. It is a very smart, and smooth way to change the subject. You sound like a leader who wants to keep things positive, and moving in the right direction. It is a very nice move.

• Let us focus on the future, instead of the past.
• The past is gone, let us focus on the future.
• Let us focus on the future, we have big plans.
• Please, let us focus on the future for this talk.

I Have No Opinion on the Matter

This is a very neutral way to step away from a fight. You are not saying the other person is wrong, you are just saying you do not want to join in. It keeps you safe, and it keeps the friendship, or the meeting, from getting too heated. It is a very balanced answer.

• I have no opinion on the matter, so let it be.
• That is fine, but I have no opinion on the matter.
• Honestly, I have no opinion on the matter at all.
• I have no opinion on the matter, so ask them.

That is a Tough Question

Sometimes just saying it is hard, or complex, is enough to stop the person from asking more. You are giving them a compliment, while also saying you are not going to jump in. It is a very graceful way to avoid a trap. You sound thoughtful, and careful with your words.

• That is a tough question, so I will pass.
• Wow, that is a tough question, I need time.
• Since that is a tough question, I will wait.
• That is a tough question, so let us skip it.

I Am Not Ready to Share My Thoughts

This is a very honest way to buy time. You are not saying no, you are just saying not yet. It makes you look like someone who cares about getting things right. People usually respect that, and they will give you the space you need to think about your answer.

• I am not ready to share my thoughts yet.
• Please, I am not ready to share my thoughts today.
• I am not ready to share my thoughts, wait a bit.
• As I am not ready to share my thoughts, skip me.

Let Us Wait for More Details

This is a great way to avoid guessing. You are saying you want the truth, and not just rumors. It makes you sound smart, and grounded. People will see that you are not the kind of person who likes to spread gossip. It is a very classy way to stay quiet.

• Let us wait for more details before we chat.
• I think we should let us wait for more details.
• No need to talk, let us wait for more details.
• Let us wait for more details, then we can talk.

That is Not My Place to Say

This is a very respectful way to stay out of a mess. You are showing that you know your role, and you are not going to overstep. It is a very mature, and professional way to handle a question that is meant for someone else to answer. It keeps everyone happy.

• That is not my place to say, so ask Dave.
• I know, but that is not my place to say.
• Sorry, that is not my place to say, even if I know.
• That is not my place to say, so let it go.

Creative Ways to Say No Comment

My Lips Are Locked

This is a fun way to say you are not going to talk. It sounds like you have a physical barrier that prevents you from sharing. It is a bit silly, and it usually gets a laugh from friends. It is a great way to keep the mood happy, while still protecting your business.

• My lips are locked, so I am not saying a word.
• Don’t look at me, my lips are locked tight.
• Since I promised, my lips are locked for now.
• My lips are locked, so ask someone else instead.

I Am Keeping My Cards Close

This is a great idiom to use when you have a plan, and you do not want to reveal it. It sounds like a game of poker, where you are waiting for the right moment to show your hand. It is a very cool way to say that you have a secret.

• I am keeping my cards close, so you will see soon.
• Sorry, I am keeping my cards close on this one.
• I am keeping my cards close until the deal is done.
• You know me, I am keeping my cards close always.

No Word From Me

This is very simple, and very direct. You are saying that the fountain of knowledge has dried up, and you are not going to start it again. It is a short, and punchy way to end the question. It works in almost any situation, from a party to a desk.

• There will be no word from me on that topic.
• I have no word from me to give you today.
• Sorry, no word from me, I am just listening.
• No word from me, so stop trying to get answers.

The Vault is Closed

This is a very dramatic way to say you have secrets stored away. It sounds like you are protecting something really precious. It is a fun way to talk about private things with friends. You are basically saying that they cannot break in, and they cannot get what they want.

• The vault is closed, so you cannot get in.
• I am sorry, the vault is closed for the day.
• Don’t ask, the vault is closed and locked up.
• Since I have secrets, the vault is closed tight.

I Am Off the Record

This is a journalist term that sounds really professional. You are saying that you will talk, but only if they promise not to repeat it. Or, you are just using it to mean you are not going to give a public answer. It is a very handy phrase to know.

• I am off the record, so I will tell you this.
• Let us keep this off the record for now.
• Since I am off the record, I have no comment.
• I am off the record, so do not tell anyone else.

My Mouth is on Holiday

This is a funny way to say you are not going to talk. It implies that your mouth is tired, and it has gone to the beach. It is a very lighthearted way to dodge a question. Nobody can get mad at you when you are being this silly, and fun.

• My mouth is on holiday, so ask again next week.
• Sorry, my mouth is on holiday until I am ready.
• I cannot talk, my mouth is on holiday right now.
• My mouth is on holiday, so I am silent.

Tips for Picking the Right Phrase

Choosing the perfect line depends on who you are talking to, and where you are, so always take a quick second to think.

Match the Setting

Think about where you are before you speak, because a joke might work at home but fail at work. Using common sense helps you pick the right way to say no.

Think About the Reader

Know who is listening to you, as friends deserve a fun answer while a boss needs something a bit more formal and clear to follow.

Keep It Simple

Simple words are often the best, and they are less likely to be misunderstood by anyone who might be listening in on your talk.

Watch Your Tone

Your voice matters as much as the words, so keep it calm and kind, even when you are being firm about your own private space.

Use Body Language

A small smile or a nod can help soften your answer, and it makes you look friendly even when you are saying no comment today.

Stay Consistent

Pick a style that fits your own personality, so people get to know how you handle questions, and they will stop asking prying things.

Just remember that being kind and firm is a great balance, and it helps you keep your life private in any setting.

Summary of Alternate Ways

Final Thoughts

I hope you found the perfect way to dodge those tricky questions with ease. Learning other ways to say no comment is a great tool for your social kit. You now have plenty of options to stay quiet, while still being kind. Go ahead and try one of these out the next time you feel stuck.