equivocation.

1. The use of ambiguous language to avoid a clear commitment or answer.

2. A reasoning error in which the meaning of a word or expression shifts between steps of an argument.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• answer without equivocation
• political equivocation

On the page

She demanded an answer without equivocation.

His equivocation allowed both sides to believe he supported them.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic. Forms: Singular equivocation; plural equivocations. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings.