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
  • Bourgault hasn’t come close to playing in the NHL and was dealt to Ottawa — along with Jake Chiasson — last summer for Roby Jarventie and a draft pick.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Streaming: Xfinity deals for streaming services are a great value.
    Kara McGinley, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Authorities spent hours trying to negotiate a peaceful surrender, police said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 June 2025
  • The Englishman is represented by his mother Marcia Lewis, who negotiated the deal with Arsenal.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The sides had bargained on and off for more than a year by then, operating without a contract since November 2022.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 11 June 2025
  • What’s next: Backed by the Service Employees International Union, Oakland Assemblymember Buffy Wicks introduced Assembly Bill 1340 that would allow ridesharing drivers to bargain for better pay and benefits and provide more protections for gig workers.
    Pat Maio, Oc Register, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • The 16-21 vote throws up a hurdle for leaders hoping to send the bill to the Senate by Memorial Day — but are still haggling over last minute changes to appease not only the fiscal hawks but moderates seeking bigger blue-state tax breaks.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 16 May 2025
  • The ex-spouses were still haggling over money and had been due in family court the morning she was killed, The Hartford Courant reported.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Palter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palter. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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