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equivocation

American  
[ih-kwiv-uh-key-shuhn] / ɪˌkwɪv əˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. the use of equivocal or ambiguous expressions, especially in order to mislead or hedge; prevarication.

  2. an equivocal, ambiguous expression; equivoque.

    The speech was marked by elaborate equivocations.

  3. Logic. a fallacy caused by the double meaning of a word.

Etymology

Origin of equivocation

1350–1400; Middle English equivocacion < Late Latin aequivocātiōn- (stem of aequivocātiō ). See equivocate, -ion

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.

Layered into this equivocation was an even deeper distortion.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2025

“I can say utterly without equivocation that @ejeancarroll is one of the most gracious and forthright people I have ever met,” he wrote.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2024

The best of this year’s best picture nominees — and I offer that up with zero equivocation — is also the one most surprising by its inclusion.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2024

Biden said it’s difficult to “stand by and stand silent when this happens,” adding that “we must without equivocation denounce” antisemitism and Islamophobia.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2023

He thought how ten minutes ago—yes, only ten minutes— there had still been equivocation in his heart as he wondered whether the news from the front would be of victory or defeat.

From "1984" by George Orwell

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.