TERGIVERSATION Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

tergiversation

noun

ˌtər-ˌji-vər-ˈsā-shən

Definition of tergiversation

as in ambiguity

deliberate evasion in speech like many politicians, he has the gift for tergiversation

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for tergiversation

Noun

Bradshaw raised the ambiguity of the film’s central letter, in which Elisabet leaves an envelope open for Alma to read, and asked whether Bergman was showing a darker, more sadistic side of his heroine.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
An email to me from WHO provides the information needed to resolve the ambiguity.

— John Drake, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of ambiguity

Noun

In a telephone interview Tuesday afternoon, Tunney explained the chain of events that is now leading to the shuffle of Ann Sather spaces.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026
Controls cover the basic playback functions, including repeat-one, sequential-play, and shuffle modes – though ultimately, the spinning disc remains the star of the show.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of shuffle

Noun

But in terms of its actual content, the statement was pretty thin gruel, bristling with public relations-style circumlocution and vagueness.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Here, instead, she’s swayed by a dead Diana softly squeezing her hand and kindly hinting — the dead Diana is an ace at tactful circumlocution — that now is the time to show a mourning nation some emotion.

— Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023

Definition of circumlocution

Noun

The people around Trump support these equivocations because anyone who opposes Trump’s ideas in the White House will be shown the door; any Republican who speaks up in Congress will be primaried out of their seat.

— Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
Despite some equivocation after Game 3 regarding his Game 4 starter, Ducks coach Joel Quenneville told reporters Saturday that Lukáš Dostál would return to the Ducks’ net Sunday after being pulled Friday.

— Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 9 May 2026

Definition of equivocation

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“Tergiversation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tergiversation. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of tergiversation

noun

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