Equivocate
verb
To speak or act in a way that is not clear, in order to avoid saying anything definite or committing oneself.
Politicians often equivocate when asked a question directly.
Often appears as...
- equivocate on a matter
- equivocate the issue
verb
To tell half-truths or be intentionally ambiguous.
He was known to equivocate under pressure.
Often appears as...
- equivocate under pressure
- equivocate the truth
verb
To speak or act in a way that is not clear, in order to avoid saying anything definite or committing oneself.
Politicians often equivocate when asked a question directly.
Often appears as...
- equivocate on a matter
- equivocate the issue
verb
To tell half-truths or be intentionally ambiguous.
He was known to equivocate under pressure.
Often appears as...
- equivocate under pressure
- equivocate the truth
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Avoiding Commitment
Equivocate is often used to escape making a firm decision or giving a straight answer.
When asked about the release date, the director continued to equivocate.
Pro Tip 2/3Perceived Negatively
Using 'equivocate' can imply dishonesty or lack of transparency, often viewed unfavorably.
The candidate's tendency to equivocate on important issues cost him votes.
Pro Tip 3/3Indirect Answers
People equivocate to give answers that seem relevant but don't directly address the question.
To avoid spoilers, the actor equivocated about the film's ending.
Pro Tip 1/3Avoiding Commitment
Equivocate is often used to escape making a firm decision or giving a straight answer.
When asked about the release date, the director continued to equivocate.
Pro Tip 2/3Perceived Negatively
Using 'equivocate' can imply dishonesty or lack of transparency, often viewed unfavorably.
The candidate's tendency to equivocate on important issues cost him votes.
Pro Tip 3/3Indirect Answers
People equivocate to give answers that seem relevant but don't directly address the question.
To avoid spoilers, the actor equivocated about the film's ending.
Pro Tip 1/3Avoiding Commitment
Equivocate is often used to escape making a firm decision or giving a straight answer.
When asked about the release date, the director continued to equivocate.
Pro Tip 2/3Perceived Negatively
Using 'equivocate' can imply dishonesty or lack of transparency, often viewed unfavorably.
The candidate's tendency to equivocate on important issues cost him votes.
Pro Tip 3/3Indirect Answers
People equivocate to give answers that seem relevant but don't directly address the question.
To avoid spoilers, the actor equivocated about the film's ending.
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Video examples
Jimmy Carter: Why I...
is to promote human rights, and knowing the world as I do, I can tell you without any equivocation that the number one abuse of human rights on Earth is, strangely, not addressed quite often, is the abuse of women and girls.
Video examples
Jimmy Carter: Why I...
is to promote human rights, and knowing the world as I do, I can tell you without any equivocation that the number one abuse of human rights on Earth is, strangely, not addressed quite often, is the abuse of women and girls.
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
John C. Calhoun
American Statesman
I am utterly opposed to all equivocation or obscure expressions in our public acts. We are bound to say plainly what we mean to say. If we mean negotiation and compromise, let us say it distinctly and plainly instead of sending to the President a resolution on which he may put whatever interpretation he pleases.
Quote examples
Gad Saad
Canadian Scientist
A proud and healthy society does not equivocate when it comes to stating clearly and unequivocally what it expects of its prospective immigrants. It is for immigrants to adapt to the host nation's values and never the other way around.
Quote examples
Robert E. Lee
American General
If a friend asks a favor, you should grant it if it is reasonable; if not, tell him plainly why you cannot: You will wrong him and wrong yourself by equivocation of any kind.
Quote examples
Ephraim Mirvis
South African Clergyman
Holocaust denial, once the preserve of fringe conspiracy theorists, has mutated into Holocaust obfuscation, equivocation, and specious comparison on a larger scale than ever.
Quote examples
John Mulaney
American Comedian
You can't always see both sides of the story. Eventually, you have to pick a side and stick with it. No more equivocating. You have to commit.
Quote examples
Edgar Bronfman, Sr.
Canadian Businessman
It is high time that the Arab world's professed desire for peace is matched by responsible action, and not more of the same equivocation.
Quote examples
Gavin Newsom
American Politician
When Californians see something we truly believe in, we say so and act accordingly - without evasiveness or equivocation.
Quote examples
William Lloyd Garrison
American Journalist
I am in earnest - I will not equivocate - I will not excuse - I will not retreat a single inch - and I will be heard!
Quote examples
Kevin de Leon
American Politician
California Democrats - we fight on the front lines - we don't equivocate on the sidelines.
Quote examples
Richard Quest
English Journalist
There can be no equivocation. I am Jewish.
Quote examples
John C. Calhoun
American Statesman
I am utterly opposed to all equivocation or obscure expressions in our public acts. We are bound to say plainly what we mean to say. If we mean negotiation and compromise, let us say it distinctly and plainly instead of sending to the President a resolution on which he may put whatever interpretation he pleases.
Quote examples
Gad Saad
Canadian Scientist
A proud and healthy society does not equivocate when it comes to stating clearly and unequivocally what it expects of its prospective immigrants. It is for immigrants to adapt to the host nation's values and never the other way around.
Quote examples
Robert E. Lee
American General
If a friend asks a favor, you should grant it if it is reasonable; if not, tell him plainly why you cannot: You will wrong him and wrong yourself by equivocation of any kind.
Quote examples
Ephraim Mirvis
South African Clergyman
Holocaust denial, once the preserve of fringe conspiracy theorists, has mutated into Holocaust obfuscation, equivocation, and specious comparison on a larger scale than ever.
Quote examples
John Mulaney
American Comedian
You can't always see both sides of the story. Eventually, you have to pick a side and stick with it. No more equivocating. You have to commit.
Quote examples
Edgar Bronfman, Sr.
Canadian Businessman
It is high time that the Arab world's professed desire for peace is matched by responsible action, and not more of the same equivocation.
Quote examples
Gavin Newsom
American Politician
When Californians see something we truly believe in, we say so and act accordingly - without evasiveness or equivocation.
Quote examples
William Lloyd Garrison
American Journalist
I am in earnest - I will not equivocate - I will not excuse - I will not retreat a single inch - and I will be heard!
Quote examples
Kevin de Leon
American Politician
California Democrats - we fight on the front lines - we don't equivocate on the sidelines.
Quote examples
Richard Quest
English Journalist
There can be no equivocation. I am Jewish.
Example 1 of 10
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