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temporize

[tem-puh-rahyz] / ˈtɛm pəˌraɪz /


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.

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Dahlia Lithwick: There is a very human propensity, especially in times of crisis, to normalize and rationalize and temporize.

From Slate ● Dec. 17, 2025

Rab1, and Black is left to temporize as White methodically prepares his breakthrough.

From Washington Times ● Mar. 1, 2022

The universities should not temporize if that happens.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 23, 2017

Petry’s tendency to temporize may be a crucial asset, according to Hajo Funke, an expert on Germany’s far right who has just published a book, “On Angry Citizens and Arsonists,” about the AfD.

From The New Yorker ● Sep. 26, 2016

He began to temporize, to try to gain time.

From The Story of Old Fort Loudon by Mary Noailles Murfree

In the interim, however, this technology comes to us wrapped in some unprepossessing, temporized designs, like this fat-bellied seal in a plastic waistcoat.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 24, 2025

But whereas the airport example is spatialized and temporized in physically contained senses, internet dwell time is able to insinuate itself into so many other places and moments of everyday life.

From Slate ● Nov. 13, 2019

The process is a gradual one, and in some cases the Robert-Gorsuch court has held back, or temporized.

From The New Yorker ● Jun. 27, 2018

But Mr. Richardson is right: She has temporized in response to atrocity.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 26, 2018

“Ah just had one,” Janie temporized with her conscience.

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed a key ally from his new Cabinet, bowing to a ruling from the Israeli Supreme Court after days of temporizing.

From Washington Times ● Jan. 22, 2023

Amleth, as he is called, is no student philosopher, temporizing over the nuances of being and nonbeing.

From New York Times ● Apr. 21, 2022

US history accordingly reveals a rich tapestry of legal suits, counter suits, interstate conflicts, water theft, treaties, compacts, agreements, accords, lobbying, bullying and temporizing.

From Nature ● Feb. 21, 2017

I think that your husband’s temporizing may be a better strategy than outright refusal.

From Slate ● Oct. 13, 2015

And thus temporizing, and daily weakening the voice of conscience by disobedience, he was lost.

From The Gospel According to St. Mark by G. A. Chadwick


Vocabulary lists containing temporize

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