as in to weasel
to avoid giving a definite answer or position
the candidate equivocated as long as he could on controversial issues
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in ambiguity
deliberate evasion in speech
your equivocation when asked where you were last night is not reassuring
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ambiguousness
the quality or state of having a veiled or uncertain meaning
the equivocation of the last line of the poem, "That is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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 equivocate
Oliver Eagleton, Time, 5 July 2025
But plans were never set in stone, and Irvine equivocated as to where in the city the cemetery should go.
—Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 28 May 2025
Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 19 May 2025
The equivocation that has characterized the administration’s legal responses to date is turning into objection and refusal.
—Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for equivocate
Verb
Rather than working out a consistent line to counter Farage, Starmer has often equivocated.
—Oliver Eagleton, Time, 5 July 2025
But plans were never set in stone, and Irvine equivocated as to where in the city the cemetery should go.
—Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 28 May 2025
Noun
The equivocation over the ground invasion reflects Mr. Netanyahu’s need to satisfy far-right cabinet ministers, who are pushing for the full re-occupation of Gaza, and Israel’s top generals, who believe such a move would be difficult to sustain and dangerous to hostages held in Gaza.
—Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 19 May 2025
The equivocation that has characterized the administration’s legal responses to date is turning into objection and refusal.
—Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for equivocate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivocate
Verb
-
So if an extra (and questionable) ingredient weasels its way into the formula, and the supplement hits the market, there's not much the FDA can do besides send companies a warning letter to recall the supplement.—
Julia Forbes,
Wired News,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Despite her best efforts, Keith, who is serving life in prison, tries to weasel his way back into her life.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
This ambiguity let entrepreneurs like Sanders move into the market without immediate legal repercussions.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Resilience During Uncertainty – AI disruption creates stress and ambiguity; addressing our self-care needs helps leaders sustain performance and avoid burnout.—
Tony Gambill,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Kam Shanks could not shake Ole Miss' punt coverage team and Arkansas will start its first drive of the second half from the 9.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Sep. 2025
-
As Emmy celebrations peppered the town on Saturday night, a starkly differently occasion left attendees shaken, tearful and reminded of the immersive power of cinema.—
Stacey Wilson Hunt,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Thomas’ double usually gets lost in the shuffle, thanks to Noel’s heroics, or David Fry’s walk-off, or even Thomas’ two seismic swings in the ALDS.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
-
In the first quarter, the Cowboys led 7-0 and were moving the ball on their second drive, when defensive lineman Cruz Marsella got into the backfield, intercepted a short shuffle pass and returned it for a 50-yard touchdown to tie the score for the Sailors.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Their circumlocutions were as entrancing as their ability to find the most precisely ironic words for difficult-to-name realities.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 July 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Equivocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivocate. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share