Thesaurus results for PUSSYFOOTING

pussyfooting

verb

present participle of pussyfoot

as in weaseling

to avoid giving a definite answer or position politicians who try to pussyfoot around hot-button issues

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in lurking

to move about in a sly or secret manner pussyfooting through the hallways in the middle of the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pussyfooting Fragments of story are fed to us, but there’s no forward thrust, just a lot of pussyfooting around. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 Alright Genesis, the time for pussyfooting is over. — New Atlas, 2 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pussyfooting

Verb

The tournament’s special status — its unwillingness to place any person above the sport — is part of why Williams wanted to play singles, not just doubles with her sister Venus, after waffling on the decision.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 30 June 2026
Nothing kills momentum faster than waffling on a big decision.

— Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2026

Definition of waffling

Verb

Use cool water to avoid shrinkage, skip the fabric softener, and use a small amount of mild detergent to avoid detergent residue from lurking on the fabric after washing.

— Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026
Small dust particles and annoying pathogens can be lurking all around your home causing allergies to flair.

— George Yang, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of lurking

Verb

Standard gas pressure spreads out across the rock formations, homogenizing subterranean forces and actually decreasing the risk of the fault slipping over time.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026
Slowly, the giant claw, still clutching the sparrow, sank into the river, the tips of its pincers slipping beneath the surface with a plop.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of slipping

Verb

Put the adhesive side of the film onto the wet glass, sliding it into place.

— Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 28 Sep. 2026
Perhaps this is why beloved ‘90s nostalgia brands like McQueen and Calvin Klein (both with sliding revenues) aren’t resonating as well.

— Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of sliding

Browse Nearby Words

pussyfooted

pussyfooting

pussyfoots

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“Pussyfooting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pussyfooting. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pussyfooting

verb

Example Sentences

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