prevarication

noun

pre·​var·​i·​ca·​tion
plural -s
Synonyms of prevaricationnext
1
: the act or an instance of prevaricating
especially : a perversion of or a deviation from the truth
2
: a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
often : lie
the august tribunal of the skies, where no prevarications shall avail William Cowper

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prevaricacioun deviation from duty, from Late Latin praevarication-, praevaricatio, from Latin, collusion, from praevaricatus (past participle of praevaricari) + -ion-, -io -ion

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Cite this Entry

“Prevarication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevarication. Accessed 29 Dec. 2025.

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