temporize
verb (used without object)
to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting.
temporise
-
a variation of
temporize.
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.
It was plain that we had the whole company against us, and at the best we could but hope to temporise.
From The Great White Army by Sir Max Pemberton
Gondremark loves to temporise; his policy is below ground, and he fears all open courses; and now that I have seen you act with so much spirit, I will cheerfully risk myself on your protection.
From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 7 (of 25) by Robert Louis Stevenson
In short you think it would be more expedient for the missionary to run away or temporise, instead of buckling on his armour and standing up to the enemy.
From The Outcaste by F. E. Penny
Bindle, who had no idea of the rent of furnished flats, decided to temporise.
From Adventures of Bindle by Herbert George Jenkins
The professor liked to have his jokes remembered; but still he seemed inclined to temporise.
From A Bookful of Girls by Anna Fuller
