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equivocate

/ɪˈkwɪvəkeɪt/  ·  say it: ih·KWIV·uh·kayt

to use ambiguous language to avoid commitment

In Debate & Persuasion

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.

Nearby in Debate & Persuasion

expound, clarify, obfuscate, prevaricate, digress, belabor