equivocate
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.
Origin of equivocate
1Other words for equivocate
Other words from equivocate
- 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), out·e·quiv·o·cat·ed, out·e·quiv·o·cat·ing.
- un·e·quiv·o·cat·ing, adjective
Words Nearby equivocate
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use equivocate in a sentence
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.
The Code of the Mountains | Charles Neville BuckAt all events, for some reason, the ex-Attorney-General was afraid to accept this opportunity to equivocate.
The Judicial Murder of Mary E. Surratt | David Miller DeWittI do not equivocate when I say that love is instinctive, and that the latter-day expression of love is artificial.
The Kempton-Wace Letters | Jack LondonWhen one thus remains in the clouds, he need not fear to equivocate.
What is Property? | P. J. Proudhon
But her stainless heart was too proud in virtue to palter and equivocate with circumstances.
British Dictionary definitions for equivocate
/ (ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt) /
(intr) to use vague or ambiguous language, esp in order to avoid speaking directly or honestly; hedge
Origin of equivocate
1Derived forms of equivocate
- equivocatingly, adverb
- equivocator, noun
- equivocatory, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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