TEMPORIZE Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

temporize

verb

Definition of temporize

as in to delay

formal to avoid making a decision or giving a definite answer in order to have more time Pressured by voters on both sides of the issue, the congressmen temporized.

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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 temporize Assad lied and temporized, the official said. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026 Accompanying these principles must be a rejection of the impulse to temporize about the dangers that confront us and a rejection of the bizarre deprecation of our nation and civilization. — Peter J. Travers, National Review, 29 Mar. 2022 Even groups long noted for opposing nuclear power, such as the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Sierra Club, seem quietly ready to temporize on practical matters, such as allowing existing plants to continue as transitional energy sources. — Andrew Cockburn, Harper’s Magazine , 4 Jan. 2022 But in the aftermath of the Georgia victories, which gave their party control of the Senate, congressional Democrats were in no mood to temporize. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2021 Otherwise, the overriding temptation will be to delay, to temporize. — Noam Cohen, WIRED, 18 July 2019 This is a president who, when Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons on his people, did not temporize. — Aaron Blake, Washington Post, 5 July 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for temporize

Verb

At least 75 data center projects worth more than $130 billion total were delayed or cancelled in the first three months of this year, according to a Data Center Watch report published in June.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
By the time the architectural plans were finished, COVID hit, and Hotel Lucile was further delayed.

— Mickey Rapkin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

Gowanus Green, as shown in this rendering, is planned to be 100 percent affordable, but construction stalled due to disagreements over cleanup standards.

— Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026
Equinix and Digital Realty Trust, data center developers that trade as REITs, have fared well longer-term, though their shares have stalled in the period since the BXDC launch.

— Kevin Williams, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of stall

Verb

With their feelings for each other blossoming, the two go out for dinner, which is full of Rushville patrons with lingering hatred for Hal.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
In the scene, Simon’s family speaks Kreyòl — although to varying degrees of proficiency — and the camera lingers on the Haitian feast presented on the table.

— Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of linger

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temporary

temporize

temporized

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“Temporize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temporize. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of temporize

verb

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