Synonym Chooser

How does the verb palter differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of palter are equivocate, fib, lie, and prevaricate. While all these words mean "to tell an untruth," palter implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere promises.

a swindler paltering with his investors

When is equivocate a more appropriate choice than palter?

While the synonyms equivocate and palter are close in meaning, equivocate implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another.

equivocated endlessly in an attempt to mislead her inquisitors

When is it sensible to use fib instead of palter?

The words fib and palter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fib applies to a telling of a trivial untruth.

fibbed about the price of the new suit

When can lie be used instead of palter?

Although the words lie and palter have much in common, lie is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty.

lied about where he had been

How do prevaricate and lie relate to one another, in the sense of palter?

Prevaricate softens the bluntness of lie by implying quibbling or confusing the issue.

during the hearings the witness did his best to prevaricate

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of palter Rather than wait to share the witches’ paltering pronouncements with Lady M (Indira Varma) in person, the thane of Glamis chooses to send word to his wife in advance of his return from battle. Rhoda Feng, Washington Post, 14 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palter
Verb
  • The Bulls have already tried to deal Vučević to the Warriors once in a trade deadline deal that was smothered, in part, by the Jimmy Butler move with the Miami Heat.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • Is Marchand officially moved on after being dealt last season?
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • In a world where AI agents will negotiate contracts, manage assets, and execute decisions, this kind of integration isn’t a novelty.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Instead, there’s more public bickering and negotiating.
    Matt Hayes, The Tennessean, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Right now, 450 of my co-workers and I in the Greater Boston area are bargaining for a new contract.
    Mike Ortiz, Boston Herald, 28 June 2025
  • Whereas sellers could hold fast on their asking prices a few years ago, many are now willing to bargain.
    LEW SICHELMAN, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Previously, dealers and buyers would haggle over different features sold a la carte in a new Stellantis vehicle: In-car Wi-Fi hotspot?
    Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 8 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, in the Rikers case, the two sides were haggling over a looming contempt order, which Judge Laura Swain approved last November, finding the city failed to comply with court orders over the eight years of the monitor.
    Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palter. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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