prevaricate
verb (used without object)
to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
prevaricated
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past participleof prevaricate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof prevaricate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
prevaricateverb (used without object)to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
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.
“This is not about separating what we built together,” prevaricated Comcast co-CEO Brian Roberts, explaining a deal that’s all about separating what was previously put together.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
He is coming into the tournament off a short run-up after England flatlined under his predecessor Eddie Jones and the Rugby Football Union prevaricated over P45s.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2023
Ramaphosa acted decisively against COVID-19 in 2020 - imposing some of the world's toughest restrictions and expanding social welfare to prevent hunger - but has prevaricated on other contentious policy issues.
From Reuters ● Aug. 5, 2022
Instead, he argued and prevaricated, eating up the clock as inept officials scratched their heads.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 19, 2016
She was of a romantic turn of mind, and although she would not have prevaricated for the world or done another harm by repeating anything to their detriment, she was a dreamer of day-dreams.
From Hester's Counterpart A Story of Boarding School Life by Adele W. Jones
