weasel word
noun
a word used to temper the forthrightness of a statement; a word that makes one's views equivocal, misleading, or confusing.
weasel-worded
-
a word derived from
weasel word.
-
a word derived from
weasel words.
weasel wordsplural nounintentionally evasive or misleading speech; equivocation
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.
The new opinion, said he, was "a weasel-worded escape from a basically wrong decision."
From Time Magazine Archive
His opponents, none too sure of themselves, drafted a weasel-worded meeting call "for the purpose of creating a vacancy in the leadership."
From Time Magazine Archive
He had been responsible for the weasel-worded report that the Air Force released in late 1949, and he apologized for it.
From The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects by Edward J. Ruppelt
My answer was purposely weasel-worded because I knew that the Air Force had unofficially inspired the Life article.
From The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects by Edward J. Ruppelt
