pussyfooting

verb

present participle of pussyfoot
1
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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2
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
  1. waffling
  2. lurking
  3. sneaking
  4. slipping
  5. sliding
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
  • However, the Broncos’ next opponent is lurking right behind them.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Investors want to see both OpenAI and Anthropic get their financial houses in order, with initial public offerings (IPOs) lurking later this year or in early 2027.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of lurking
Verb
  • The new quarterback Mensah with a short completion that Toney turns into a 48-yard play, bouncing up from the tackle and sneaking in a quick little Heisman pose for good measure.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than trade Ohtani for Caminero, who has blossomed into a two-time All-Star at 23, the team added at the deadline in hopes of sneaking into the wild-card race.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of sneaking
Verb
  • Each of its elements began, long ago, in the loamy earth, hatching and creeping or slipping, slick and squealing, from the womb of the mind.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Alongside the Rams’ Terrance Ferguson, the Saint was criminally undervalued throughout the fantasy draft season, often slipping well into the double-digit rounds in 12-team exercises.
    — Brad Evans, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of slipping
Verb
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors bring in ample light and overlook the backyard terrace’s heated pool, outdoor shower, and fireplace, while dimmable cove lighting furthers the warmth.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Sneakers and socks sliding across the floor, heels lifting and landing in time with the music.
    — Erica Rosenfeld Halverson, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of sliding

Browse Nearby Words

pussyfooted
pussyfooting
pussyfoots
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Cite this Entry

“Pussyfooting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pussyfooting. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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