as in to weasel
to avoid giving a definite answer or position
the candidate equivocated as long as he could on controversial issues
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in ambiguity
deliberate evasion in speech
your equivocation when asked where you were last night is not reassuring
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ambiguousness
the quality or state of having a veiled or uncertain meaning
the equivocation of the last line of the poem, "That is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of equivocate
Jorge Heine, The Conversation, 7 July 2025
Rather than working out a consistent line to counter Farage, Starmer has often equivocated.
—Oliver Eagleton, Time, 5 July 2025
Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 19 May 2025
The equivocation that has characterized the administration’s legal responses to date is turning into objection and refusal.
—Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for equivocate
Verb
Countries can hedge their bets or equivocate by playing one power off the other.
—Jorge Heine, The Conversation, 7 July 2025
Rather than working out a consistent line to counter Farage, Starmer has often equivocated.
—Oliver Eagleton, Time, 5 July 2025
Noun
The equivocation over the ground invasion reflects Mr. Netanyahu’s need to satisfy far-right cabinet ministers, who are pushing for the full re-occupation of Gaza, and Israel’s top generals, who believe such a move would be difficult to sustain and dangerous to hostages held in Gaza.
—Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 19 May 2025
The equivocation that has characterized the administration’s legal responses to date is turning into objection and refusal.
—Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for equivocate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivocate
Verb
-
So if an extra (and questionable) ingredient weasels its way into the formula, and the supplement hits the market, there's not much the FDA can do besides send companies a warning letter to recall the supplement.—
Julia Forbes,
Wired News,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Despite her best efforts, Keith, who is serving life in prison, tries to weasel his way back into her life.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
That ambiguity allows for a certain richness of imagination.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Part of the flag’s effectiveness comes from its ambiguity.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
After 30 minutes or so, pause the machine, remove the comforter, and shake it out before adding it back to the drum, continuing the process until the bedding is fully dry.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
28 Sep. 2025
-
The earthquake shook at a depth of just 3 miles, with its epicenter approximately 10 miles south of Trona.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
All is quiet except for the shuffle of hooves, as the mounts shift the weight of their riders and their heavy armor.—
Greg Grandin
September 23,
Literary Hub,
23 Sep. 2025
-
For Pops, the shuffle across the kitchen floor started as a birthday celebration.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Their circumlocutions were as entrancing as their ability to find the most precisely ironic words for difficult-to-name realities.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 July 2025
-
Here, instead, she’s swayed by a dead Diana softly squeezing her hand and kindly hinting — the dead Diana is an ace at tactful circumlocution — that now is the time to show a mourning nation some emotion.—
Tom Gliatto,
Peoplemag,
16 Nov. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Equivocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivocate. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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