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

“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

Without any equivocation or complication, Prince Harry is coming to visit his father, travelling over from the US alone in the next few days.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2024

“We cannot allow any equivocation on this point.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 25, 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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