Definitions

equivocation

[ih-kwiv-uh-key-shuhn] / ɪˌkwɪv əˈkeɪ ʃən /

NOUN

avoidance of an issue

Synonyms

STRONGEST

prevarication

STRONG

ambiguity amphiboly casuistry coloring con cover cover-up deceit deception deceptiveness delusion dissimulation distortion doubtfulness duplicity evasion fallacy fib fibbing hedging lie line lying misrepresentation shuffling song sophistry speciousness spuriousness stall tergiversation waffle

WEAK

cop out double entendre double meaning double talk equivocality quibbling routine runaround song and dance stonewall

Antonyms

STRONG

certainty clarity fact frankness honesty openness reality surety trustworthiness truth truthfulness uprightness

WEAK

directness facing meeting

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Equivocation Bill Cain’s new comedy about a playwright named “Shagspeare” caught up in political intrigue in 17th-century London.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2014

I cannot help pausing a moment, to admire how Equivocation triumphed throughout this age.

From Priests, Women, and Families by Michelet, Jules

Thomas Morton, Bishop of Lichfield, and Coventry, afterwards of Durham, in his Full Satisfaction concerning a double Romish Iniquitie; Rebellion and Equivocation, 1606, refers to the work as familiarly acquainted with it.

From Notes and Queries, Number 17, February 23, 1850 by Various

Equivocation is the essence of law, and I believe he spoke truth.

From The Adventures of Hugh Trevor by Holcroft, Thomas

Francis Tresam.—From his examination relative to the book on Equivocation.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 10, No. 283, November 17, 1827 by Various

Vocabulary lists containing equivocation

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

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Analyzing Arguments: From Reading to Writing (Chapter 3)

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Speech and Debate

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