Prevaricate

To prevaricate means to speak or act in an evasive, ambiguous, or misleading manner, often with the intention of avoiding the truth or deceiving others. It is commonly associated with situations where an individual lacks the courage to provide a direct answer or feels compelled to conceal the truth, leading to confusion in communication. The term is often used in legal or political contexts but can apply to any area where dishonesty or obscuring the truth is present.

Prevaricate meaning with examples

• During the interrogation, the suspect attempted to prevaricate by giving vague answers and avoiding direct questions about his whereabouts, raising further suspicions from the investigators. His inability to provide a clear timeline made it difficult for them to believe his version of events, leading to a more intense examination of his alibi and character. Prevarication is often viewed as a sign of guilt, and in this case, it certainly did not aid his defense.
• When confronted about the missing funds, the accountant began to prevaricate, offering vague explanations and quickly changing the subject to avoid addressing the issue. This behavior only served to heighten suspicion among his colleagues, who began to question his integrity. Instead of clearing his name, his attempts to sidestep the truth raised more doubts, further complicating the investigation into the discrepancies in the company’s accounts.
• The politician was known for his tendency to prevaricate during debates, often sidestepping questions or providing convoluted responses instead of answering directly. As a result, constituents often felt frustrated and confused about his stance on important issues. Many voters wished he would be more straightforward, as this lack of clarity often led to mistrust and a lack of confidence in his leadership abilities.
• In her negotiations, the lawyer was careful not to prevaricate, understanding that clarity and honesty were crucial to building trust with her clients. She believed that straightforward communication would lead to better outcomes and foster long-term relationships. Contrarily, she cautioned her junior associates against the temptation to prevaricate, explaining that it might lead to damaging misunderstandings or reputational harm in the competitive legal landscape.