temporizer

Definition of temporizernext
1
as in chameleon
a person who dexterously and expediently changes or adopts opinions the kind of temporizer who determines his position on a political issue by taking a look at the polls

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2
as in machinator
one who does things only for his own benefit and with little regard for right and wrong a lifelong temporizer, he was for the war as long as it was popular and against it the minute the tide of public opinion went the other way

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for temporizer
Noun
  • But perhaps the most engaging aspect of Mario is his chameleon-like ability to remain at the same time personable and, ultimately, a blank slate.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Cauliflower is a cruciferous chameleon.
    Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These sharks are thought to be bottom-feeders, preying on fish that frequent the floors of rivers and estuaries.
    John P. Rafferty, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Games against real teams will reveal far more about the Magic’s mindset than any blowout over a bottom-feeder.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Straight men are just catching up, vanity-wise, and political opportunists have eagerly fed into their insecurities.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The exploitation of American history by Beck and the opportunists in his orbit is nothing new.
    Alexis Coe, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Two dead sharks were found stranded on North Carolina beaches during Spring Break, and researchers aren’t sure what killed them.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Drugged and dangerous Scientists found cocaine, caffeine and painkillers in sharks around Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, according to a study published in the journal Environmental Pollution.
    Devika Rao, TheWeek, 7 Apr. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Temporizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temporizer. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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