tergiversate
verb (used without object)
to change repeatedly one's attitude or opinions with respect to a cause, subject, etc.; equivocate.
tergiversation
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a word derived from
tergiversate.
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.
Another has been the behavior of its distinguished columnists-the lamentation of Mark Sullivan, the oscillation of Dorothy Thompson, the tergiversation of Walter Lippmann.
From Time Magazine Archive
Stephens, Alexander H., his character, 29; his views concerning military matters, ib.; his tergiversation, ib.; neglect of Jefferson Davis, 30.
From Destruction and Reconstruction: Personal Experiences of the Late War by Taylor, Richard
To fully describe his conduct in denouncing Arnold and Arnold's tergiversation and intrigues against him would lead me far afield.
From Colonel John Brown, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the Brave Accuser of Benedict Arnold by Howe, Archibald Murray
Our vulgar idea of a party is a week or fortnight of previous discomfort and chaotic tergiversation, and the mistress of it all distracted and worn out with endless cares.
From Pink and White Tyranny A Society Novel by Stowe, Harriet Beecher
Vincent St. George, disgusted at such gross tergiversation, flies entirely away from the point at issue, and applies those remarks to Julie which all disappointed lovers seem to be bound to utter in such cases.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, November 6, 1841, by Various
