prevaricate Definition
to avoid telling the truth or being clear about something, especially by not directly answering questions.
Using prevaricate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "prevaricate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He prevaricated when asked about his involvement in the scandal.
Example
The politician prevaricated on the issue during the debate.
Example
She accused him of prevaricating and not giving her a straight answer.
Example
The witness was caught prevaricating under cross-examination.
prevaricate Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for prevaricate
Antonyms for prevaricate
- be honest
- speak clearly
Phrases with prevaricate
to avoid telling the truth or being clear about something
Example
He prevaricated with the truth when asked about his whereabouts that night.
to avoid getting to the point or addressing the main issue
Example
Stop prevaricating around the bush and tell me what you really think.
prevaricate one's way out of something
to use prevarication as a means of avoiding responsibility or accountability for something
Example
He tried to prevaricate his way out of the situation, but eventually had to admit his mistake.
Origins of prevaricate
from Latin 'praevaricatus', meaning 'walked crookedly'
Summary: prevaricate in Brief
'Prevaricate' [pri-var-i-keyt] means to avoid telling the truth or being clear about something, especially by not directly answering questions. It is often used to describe politicians or witnesses who are evasive or misleading. Phrases like 'prevaricate with the truth' and 'prevaricate around the bush' highlight the act of avoiding the main issue. Synonyms include 'equivocate' and 'dodge,' while informal alternatives include 'beat around the bush' and 'skirt the issue.'
