Need another word for Temporize? Use these synonyms of Temporize from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
procrastinate
delay
stall
hesitate
vacillate
waver
dawdle
linger
loiter
tarry
wait
pause
halt
slow
detain
stay
postpone
put off
shelve
defer
hesitate
falter
hang back
drag one's feet
buy time
gain time
play for time
stall for time
temporize
hedge
equivocate
prevaricate
tergiversate
circumvent
parry
dodge
evade
sidestep
skirt
avoid
circumlocute
beat around the bush
Meaning of Temporize
to avoid making a decision or taking action, especially in order to gain time or avoid commitment
Definitions
- To act or talk in a way that avoids committing oneself or making a decision, especially in order to gain time or advantage
- * To try to satisfy or placate someone by making concessions or promises, especially in a way that is not entirely sincere
Etymology of Temporize
The word "temporize" comes from the Latin "temporizare", which means "to pass the time" or "to delay", derived from "tempus", meaning "time"
The word has been used in English since the 15th century, initially with the meaning of "to pass the time" or "to delay", and later developing its current meanings of avoiding commitment or decision
Example Uses
- The politician was accused of temporizing on the issue, rather than taking a firm stance
- * The company has been temporizing over the decision to invest in new technology, waiting to see how the market develops
- * The manager was temporizing with the employee, trying to find a way to let them down gently