prevaricate
verb (used without object)
to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
was prevaricating
-
past progressiveof prevaricate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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 will do no harm to ask," I replied evasively, not caring to pick a quarrel, and yet morally sure that he was prevaricating.
From True to Himself : or Roger Strong's Struggle for Place by Edward Stratemeyer
"On the contrary, at that very moment, we were talking about you," said Miguel, in the same light and jesting tone, perfectly intended to convey the idea that he was prevaricating.
From Maximina by Armando Palacio Valdés
Cyril felt guiltily conscious that he was prevaricating.
From Who? by Elizabeth Kent
Certainly one of the prison officials, when under cross-examination, made on me, and on the public generally, the impression that he was prevaricating in order to shield his superiors.
From Russia by Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace
She had known that he was prevaricating when he had stated that he represented a charitable organization; and he knew that she knew he knew it.
From A Splendid Hazard by Harold MacGrath
