Definition

Adjective: * Evasively worded to avoid making a direct or unqualified statement: Describes language that is deliberately ambiguous, indirect, or misleading to escape commitment, responsibility, or a clear position.

Usage

This adjective is used to characterize statements, speeches, answers, or texts that are intentionally vague. It implies the speaker or writer is being dishonest or cowardly by hiding their true meaning or avoiding a straightforward claim.

Examples

• The politician gave a weasel-worded response that satisfied no one.
• The contract's weasel-worded clauses made it difficult to understand our actual liabilities.
• Her apology was so weasel-worded that it seemed insincere.

Advanced Usage

• "To weasel-word" (verb, less common): The act of using evasive language.
  • He tends to weasel-word his way out of difficult questions.
• Conceptual Use: The term criticizes not just vagueness, but a specific, deliberate intent to deceive or avoid accountability through language.

Variants and Related Words

• Weasel word (noun): A word or phrase used to evade or mislead.
  • "Might," "could," and "arguably" are often considered weasel words.
• Weasel (verb, informal): To achieve something through sly or deceitful means.
  • He tried to weasel out of his promise.

Synonyms

• Evasive
• Equivocal
• Ambiguous
• Non-committal
• Deceptive

Antonyms

• Unequivocal
• Unambiguous
• Forthright
• Candid
• Direct

Related Idioms/Phrases

• To weasel out of something: To avoid a responsibility or commitment through cunning or deceit.
  • Don't try to weasel out of our agreement.

Adjective

1. evasively worded in order to avoid an unqualified statement