equivocated

verb

past tense of equivocate
as in weaseled
to avoid giving a definite answer or position the candidate equivocated as long as he could on controversial issues

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 equivocated The White House has reportedly equivocated its support of Means in recent weeks. — Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2026 Brooks, for his part, equivocated … A bout of frantic rebranding ensued. — Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026 Brooks, for his part, equivocated. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 Mace equivocated, saying Collins would need to reread the quotes to her, which the journalist did. — Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 10 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivocated
  1. shook
  2. waffled
Verb
  • Risch initially shook the challenger’s hand, then pulled back and brushed past him.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 27 Oct. 2026
  • But Todd Golden’s squad shook off a sluggish first half, quickly turned a two-point halftime lead into a double-digit advantage and kept the Hatters at bay during an 85-68 win Tuesday night in the O’Connell Center.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of shook
Verb
  • Northeast faces a wet, windy weekend Forecast models have waffled back and forth for days but have been consistent on putting New England and Long Island, New York, in the bull’s-eye of the storm’s most significant rain and wind this weekend.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Germany, which represents the EU’s biggest economy and export market, has waffled over hitting China with sanctions or duties, worried about retaliatory measures.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 18 June 2026
Definition of waffled

Browse Nearby Words

equivocate
equivocated
equivocates
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Cite this Entry

“Equivocated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivocated. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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