1
as in weaseling
to avoid giving a definite answer or position
politicians who try to pussyfoot around hot-button issues
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pussyfooting
Verb
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Yet the 7th Circuit took the extraordinary step of swooping in anyway, treating constraints on DHS — which has only become more violent in the months since Ellis’ order — as a lurking constitutional problem that had to be scrubbed from the books lest plaintiffs seek similar relief in the future.—
Seth Stern,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026 -
Without optimism, some evolutionary biologists argue, this incredible ability would have largely gone to waste, hijacked by a persistent belief that the future was less important than whatever was lurking behind the bushes, ready to pounce, right now.—
Dr. Deepika Chopra,
Flow Space,
10 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
Verb
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These businesses offer a way to entertain kids while sneaking in a little education.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
13 Mar. 2026
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But beyond sneaking small bombs past Israel’s air defenses, Iran’s use of cluster munitions may also be intended to try to reduce Israel’s stock of missile interceptors, potentially forcing it to fire dozens of them to eliminate the threat of a single missile.—
Jeremy Diamond,
CNN Money,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Ocean-facing rooms feel paradisiac, and mornings here arrive gently, with little more than light and salt air slipping through the windows.—
Gina Góngora,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
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Most runners have had an experience like this at some point and been left wondering how to add mileage without slipping into injury.—
Emma Loewe,
Outside,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Just as the program appeared to be sliding, however, Hurley engineered a turnaround in 2022-23.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
12 Mar. 2026
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Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Pussyfooting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pussyfooting. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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