TEMPORIZE Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

temporize

verb

Definition of temporize

as in to delay

formal to avoid making a decision or giving a definite answer in order to have more time Pressured by voters on both sides of the issue, the congressmen temporized.

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of temporize Assad lied and temporized, the official said. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026 Accompanying these principles must be a rejection of the impulse to temporize about the dangers that confront us and a rejection of the bizarre deprecation of our nation and civilization. — Peter J. Travers, National Review, 29 Mar. 2022 Even groups long noted for opposing nuclear power, such as the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Sierra Club, seem quietly ready to temporize on practical matters, such as allowing existing plants to continue as transitional energy sources. — Andrew Cockburn, Harper’s Magazine , 4 Jan. 2022 But in the aftermath of the Georgia victories, which gave their party control of the Senate, congressional Democrats were in no mood to temporize. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2021 Otherwise, the overriding temptation will be to delay, to temporize. — Noam Cohen, WIRED, 18 July 2019 This is a president who, when Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons on his people, did not temporize. — Aaron Blake, Washington Post, 5 July 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for temporize

Verb

More than 350 flights were canceled or delayed at Moscow airports, local media reported, as planes were grounded in response to incoming drones.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Green denied that characterization and declined to elaborate on the challenges that delayed the delivery beyond the missing money.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

From offense to defense The clearest sign that the GOP's cash advantage has stalled, however, is where the money is migrating.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
After Denver stalled out again with barely a minute left, Jason Myers nailed a 34-yard field goal with three seconds on the clock to force overtime.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of stall

Verb

Christmas decorations linger into summer, and grasses grow high through rusting cars.

— Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
The orchard and cidery serves pizzas and pastas alongside hot or cold cider, and hosts live music as folks linger along the outdoor tables with drinks and games.

— Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of linger

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temporary

temporize

temporized

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“Temporize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temporize. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of temporize

verb

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