equivocation — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A logical fallacy resulting from the use of multiple meanings of a single expression.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

2. The use of expressions susceptible of a double signification, possibly intentionally and with the aim of misleading.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Federal courts have mostly ruled against the executive branch in such cases. The equivocation that has characterized the [Trump] administration’s legal responses to date is turning into objection and refusal.

Noun

1. a statement that is not literally false but that cleverly avoids an unpleasant truth

   Synonyms

   evasion

   Broader terms

   misrepresentationdeceitdeception

2. intentionally vague or ambiguous

   Synonyms

   prevaricationevasiveness

   Broader terms

   untruthfulnessambiguityequivocalness

3. falsification by means of vague or ambiguous language

   Synonyms

   tergiversation

   Broader terms

   falsificationmisrepresentation