1
as in chameleons
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in machinators
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temporizers
Noun
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Think of this as the way chameleons change color to blend into their surroundings for protection.—
Rabbi Bruce D. Forman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026 -
In the middle of this spectrum, a trio of mid-career stylistic chameleons and sometime collaborators — Feid, J Balvin, and Bad Bunny — carefully map out intersecting tastes.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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
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The Warriors already might be too far ahead in the standings to catch bottom-feeders like the New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers in the race to maximize their draft-lottery odds.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Some of the backlash is predicated on harmful stereotypes about trans women that portray them as predatory opportunists.—
Jenna Norosky,
The Conversation,
14 Apr. 2026
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The move has prompted a flurry of skepticism and controversy—including an accusation of plagiarism—in a scene wary of trend-hopping, post-Brat opportunists.—
Lydia Wei,
Pitchfork,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This heat wave, which is the oceanic equivalent of a heat wave on land, could have broad ramifications for sea life, as warm water species like hammerhead sharks and bluefin tuna migrate into areas where they are normally not seen, and cold-water species move deeper and further north.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
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The aquarium features hundreds of thousands of gallons of water and dozens of habitats filled with nearly 8,000 animals, including sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and jellyfish.—
Taylor Haught,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Temporizers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temporizers. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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