View synonyms for equivocate

equivocate

[ ih-kwiv-uh-keyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used without object)

, e·quiv·o·cat·ed, e·quiv·o·cat·ing.

to use ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to avoid commitment or in order to mislead; prevaricate or hedge:
When asked directly for his position on disarmament, the candidate only equivocated.
Synonyms: dodge, stall, evade

equivocate

/ ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt /

intr to use vague or ambiguous language, esp in order to avoid speaking directly or honestly; hedge

e·quivo·cating·ly adverb
e·quivo·cator noun
none·quivo·cating adjective
oute·quivo·cate verb (used with object) outequivocated outequivocating
une·quivo·cating adjective

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin aequivocātus, past participle of aequivocāre; equivocal, -ate ¹

C15: from Medieval Latin aequivocāre, from Late Latin aequivocus ambiguous, equivocal

As Brookhiser fully appreciates—he does not equivocate or run from the truth—Lincoln was no radical, no abolitionist.

"I won't equivocate," responded the head of the Falkins family with blunt directness.

At all events, for some reason, the ex-Attorney-General was afraid to accept this opportunity to equivocate.

I do not equivocate when I say that love is instinctive, and that the latter-day expression of love is artificial.

When one thus remains in the clouds, he need not fear to equivocate.

But her stainless heart was too proud in virtue to palter and equivocate with circumstances.

April 17, 2024axolotl

[ak-suh-lot-l ]

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