equivocation

Noun
Synonyms: evasionprevaricationevasivenesstergiversation

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

  1. a statement that is not literally false but that cleverly avoids an unpleasant truthSynonyms: evasion
  2. intentionally vague or ambiguousSynonyms: prevaricationevasiveness
  3. falsification by means of vague or ambiguous languageSynonyms: tergiversation
Advertisement

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Equivocation \E*quiv`o*ca"tion\, n. The use of expressions susceptible of a double signification, with a purpose to mislead. [1913 Webster]

There being no room for equivocations, there is no need of distinctions. --Locke.

Syn: Prevarication; ambiguity; shuffling; evasion; guibbling. See Equivocal, a., and Prevaricate, v. i. [1913 Webster]

Advertisement