tergiversate
verb (used without object)
to change repeatedly one's attitude or opinions with respect to a cause, subject, etc.; equivocate.
tergiversation
-
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
Lincoln would not allow himself to be swerved from the main issue by any tergiversation or personal attacks.
From Abraham Lincoln by George Haven Putnam
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 Richard Taylor
Charles and La Tremoille once more began their course of hesitation, tergiversation, and changes of tactics and residence without doing anything of a public and decisive character.
From A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times, Volume 3 by Robert Black
But as he contradicted himself flatly in trying to restate his discourse, and refused to let us see his sermon, those who heard him were disgusted with his sophistry and tergiversation.
From Eighty Years and More; Reminiscences 1815-1897 by Elizabeth Cady Stanton
