temporizing

verb

present participle of temporize
as in stalling
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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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for temporizing
  1. stalling
  2. delaying
  3. lingering
Verb
  • Mendoza went three and out on his third drive, but then methodically marched the offense down the field before stalling.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In May 2023, Serbia and Kosovo reached an agreement which included commitments by both sides to clarify the fate of the missing, but Kosovo and Serbia have accused each other of stalling efforts to work together.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of stalling
Verb
  • In that unlikely scenario, the project with LINXS could be terminated and Los Angeles World Airports, which manages LAX, would have to find a new contractor, further delaying the train’s future.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Tampa politicians will likely celebrate by delaying a vote on the Rays’ proposed new stadium by another few months.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of delaying
Verb
  • As the train gains elevation, dense coastal forest gradually gives way to alpine tundra, glacial lakes, rocky peaks, and, early in the season, lingering snowfields before reaching the White Pass Summit at 2,885 feet.
    — Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Excitement surrounding the new season is slowly growing among the West Ham United fanbase, but there are lingering issues that remain hard to ignore.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of lingering
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.

Browse Nearby Words

temporizes
temporizing
temps
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Cite this Entry

“Temporizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temporizing. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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