TERGIVERSATIONS Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

tergiversation

noun

ˌtər-ˌji-vər-ˈsā-shən

Definition of tergiversation

as in ambiguity

deliberate evasion in speech like many politicians, he has the gift for tergiversation

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for tergiversation

Noun

Some of the most valuable skills, like leading through ambiguity, influencing others and solving tough problems, are built during challenging seasons.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Nonetheless, in the hallway outside of the courtroom, Shakur’s family exchanges hugs, happily shaking their heads that at least some of the darkness and ambiguity surrounding the murder has been lifted.

— Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of ambiguity

Noun

One of Parton’s first forays into purer pop, this single has the stomp and shuffle of funk and could easily be retrofitted into disco DJ sets.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
That was particularly evident as the club looked to replace franchise shortstop Dansby Swanson, whose absence has forced an infield shuffle and several changes to the big-league roster.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of shuffle

Noun

But in terms of its actual content, the statement was pretty thin gruel, bristling with public relations-style circumlocution and vagueness.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Here, instead, she’s swayed by a dead Diana softly squeezing her hand and kindly hinting — the dead Diana is an ace at tactful circumlocution — that now is the time to show a mourning nation some emotion.

— Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023

Definition of circumlocution

Noun

Others have expressed their equivocation about nirvana less ominously.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
The people around Trump support these equivocations because anyone who opposes Trump’s ideas in the White House will be shown the door; any Republican who speaks up in Congress will be primaried out of their seat.

— Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026

Definition of equivocation

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.

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tergiversation

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“Tergiversation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tergiversation. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tergiversation

noun

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