WordValeequivocate
to use ambiguous language to avoid commitment
In more detail
1. (verb) to use unclear or ambiguous language in order to avoid giving a direct answer or committing to a clear position
2. (verb) to be deliberately misleading or dishonest in what you say
Examples
- 1. When asked about the scandal, the politician equivocated instead of providing a straight answer.
- 2. He equivocated about his whereabouts, claiming he couldn't remember where he had been that night.
How to use equivocate
Equivocate refers to giving deliberately unclear or evasive answers, typically in contexts where directness or honesty is expected—such as interviews, debates, or official statements. It carries a negative connotation, implying deliberate avoidance of truth or commitment. It is stronger than simple hedging and suggests a degree of intentional deception rather than mere uncertainty.
Common phrases
- equivocate on an issue
- equivocate about something
- refuse to equivocate
- deliberate equivocation
Synonyms
prevaricate · hedge · waffle · evade · dodge
Opposites
clarify · specify · commit
Word family
equivocation (noun) · equivocal (adjective) · equivocally (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse equivocate with equivalent; they are unrelated words—equivocate is about evasive speech, while equivalent means having the same value or effect.
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