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

The best of this year’s best picture nominees — and I offer that up with zero equivocation — is also the one most surprising by its inclusion.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2024

“I pull in resolution, and begin to doubt the equivocation of the fiend...”

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez

Vocabulary lists containing equivocation

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Analyzing Arguments: From Reading to Writing (Chapter 3)

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Speech and Debate

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!