Definitions

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.

Equivocation Bill Cain’s new comedy about a playwright named “Shagspeare” caught up in political intrigue in 17th-century London.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2014

Thomas Morton, Bishop of Lichfield, and Coventry, afterwards of Durham, in his Full Satisfaction concerning a double Romish Iniquitie; Rebellion and Equivocation, 1606, refers to the work as familiarly acquainted with it.

From Notes and Queries, Number 17, February 23, 1850 by Various

A Treatise upon Equivocation," which was altered by Father Garnet into "A treatise against Lying & fraudule't dissimulatio'.

From The Identification of the Writer of the Anonymous Letter to Lord Monteagle in 1605 by Morgan, George Blacker

"Equivocation will not serve you in this case, sir," said the queen, with an austere dignity.

From The Midnight Queen by Fleming, May Agnes

"And now at this very instant having written hitherto, cometh to my handes the Catholicke Treatise itselfe of Equivocation before meneyoned," &c....

From Notes and Queries, Number 39, July 27, 1850 by Various

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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