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mince words

VERB
equivocate
Synonyms
STRONG
cavil dodge elude escape eschew evade falsify fence fib flip-flop fudge hedge jive lie palter parry prevaricate pussyfoot quibble shuck shuffle sidestep stonewall tergiversate waffle
WEAK
beat around the bush beg the question blow hot and cold cloud the issue cop a plea cop out cover up double-talk give the runaround hem and haw pass the buck run around sit on the fence tell white lie tergiverse weasel
Antonyms
STRONG
be honest confront encounter face meet release take on tell the truth
WEAK
speak on
VERB
hem and haw
Synonyms
WEAK
back and fill beat around the bush beg the question dance around equivocate euphemize fudge and mudge hum and haw shilly-shally tapdance

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.

The Wall Street pro, who knows a thing or two about leverage, didn’t mince words in a warning for rookie stock and options traders, and the prospect that they’ll make it big.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

When approached for comment on SoFi’s response, Muddy Waters didn’t mince words.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Director Judd Apatow, who said he has been quietly boycotting the ceremony for 10 years, didn't mince words when he took the stage to present an award.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

But he didn’t mince words in describing how airlines became a bargaining chip during the shutdown negotiations.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 12, 2025

General Steyn and the commanding officer stood by her, but I did not mince words.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela