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.

Layered into this equivocation was an even deeper distortion.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2025

Norris said he would welcome such a decision, but with a degree of equivocation.

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2024

“I can say utterly without equivocation that @ejeancarroll is one of the most gracious and forthright people I have ever met,” he wrote.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2024

Biden said it’s difficult to “stand by and stand silent when this happens,” adding that “we must without equivocation denounce” antisemitism and Islamophobia.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2023

He thought how ten minutes ago—yes, only ten minutes— there had still been equivocation in his heart as he wondered whether the news from the front would be of victory or defeat.

From "1984" by George Orwell

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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