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.

Layered into this equivocation was an even deeper distortion.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2025

The move, and Carney's equivocation of his involvement with it, was criticised by the editorial board of Canada's national newspaper the Globe and Mail, which wrote on Thursday that Carney must be transparent with Canadians.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2025

“I can say utterly without equivocation that @ejeancarroll is one of the most gracious and forthright people I have ever met,” he wrote.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2024

“We cannot allow any equivocation on this point.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 25, 2023

“I pull in resolution, and begin to doubt the equivocation of the fiend...”

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez

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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