as in pretending
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as in weaseling
to avoid giving a definite answer or position
the candidate equivocated as long as he could on controversial issues
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of equivocating
Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
But the judge’s equivocating ruling in that piracy case created a loophole, according to Anthropic’s lawyers.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026
While Abigail Spanberger stood with her running mate Jay Jones and his murderous fantasies, and evaded every direct question including equivocating over men being in locker rooms with girls.
—Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Yet Hiller’s latest equivocating mea culpa, with the now-familiar language of hardship and defeatism so unbecoming of a professional hockey team, rang unconvincing.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
This was after much pressing and equivocating, number one.
—CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
But the judge’s equivocating ruling in that piracy case created a loophole, according to Anthropic’s lawyers.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026
While Abigail Spanberger stood with her running mate Jay Jones and his murderous fantasies, and evaded every direct question including equivocating over men being in locker rooms with girls.
—Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivocating
Adjective
-
There can be no more pretending, briefing or hiding.—
Harry De Cosemo,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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How hypocritical that of me, Amy, and Gretchen, the only one married is me.—
David Sedaris,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
That’s not just awkward; that’s hypocritical.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That hasn’t stopped them from taking two of three meetings with the Ducks in 2025-26, albeit with the first victory coming before Vancouver’s roster-shaking Quinn Hughes trade and the most recent confrontation being a 5-2 tilt in the Ducks’ favor on March 24.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
11 Apr. 2026
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Surveillance footage from inside the store showed tension between Dempsey and Thurston, which Dempsey attempted to defuse by shaking Thurston’s hand.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Their duplicitous conduct during negotiations is countered by the cold honesty of Iranian missiles.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Sailing aboard The Hispaniola, Jim and Bess are caught between the charming, terrifying pirate Long John Silver, and the debonair, duplicitous British agent Aaron Graham.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Nothing kills momentum faster than waffling on a big decision.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Patricia Serio is waffling between Saint Xavier and Judson University to finish her degree.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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However, Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, felt Lorincz’s courtroom apology was insincere.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
7 Apr. 2026
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Using artificial intelligence to compose a social media post in the wake of a tragedy, or using it to write a fan letter to an Olympic athlete, comes off as insincere.—
Gayle Rogers,
The Conversation,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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During the chase, Leatherman used highly dangerous evasive moves on local roads, open fields and residential properties, court documents show.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
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Colapinto moved to defend, but with a rapid closing speed, Bearman was forced to take evasive action before slipping onto the grass, losing control of his car and smashing into the barriers.—
Sahil Kapur,
NBC news,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Pearl Girls aren’t favored by the Plums, who see them as untrustworthy.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
7 Apr. 2026
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The conservative election group is advocating for paper ballots, saying Georgia’s voting machines are untrustworthy.—
Caleb Groves,
AJC.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Equivocating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivocating. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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