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View synonyms for equivocate

equivocate

[ ih-kwiv-uh-keyt ]

verb (used without object)

, e·quiv·o·cat·ed, e·quiv·o·cat·ing.
  1. to use ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to avoid commitment or in order to mislead; prevaricate or hedge:

    When asked directly for his position on disarmament, the candidate only equivocated.

    Synonyms: dodge, stall, evade



equivocate

/ ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt /

verb

  1. intr to use vague or ambiguous language, esp in order to avoid speaking directly or honestly; hedge
“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


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Derived Forms

  • eˈquivocatory, adjective
  • eˈquivoˌcatingly, adverb
  • eˈquivoˌcator, noun
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Other Words From

  • e·quivo·cating·ly adverb
  • e·quivo·cator noun
  • none·quivo·cating adjective
  • oute·quivo·cate verb (used with object) outequivocated outequivocating
  • une·quivo·cating adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of equivocate1

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin aequivocātus, past participle of aequivocāre; equivocal, -ate 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of equivocate1

C15: from Medieval Latin aequivocāre, from Late Latin aequivocus ambiguous, equivocal
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Example Sentences

As Brookhiser fully appreciates—he does not equivocate or run from the truth—Lincoln was no radical, no abolitionist.

"I won't equivocate," responded the head of the Falkins family with blunt directness.

At all events, for some reason, the ex-Attorney-General was afraid to accept this opportunity to equivocate.

I do not equivocate when I say that love is instinctive, and that the latter-day expression of love is artificial.

When one thus remains in the clouds, he need not fear to equivocate.

But her stainless heart was too proud in virtue to palter and equivocate with circumstances.

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equivocallyequivocation