prevaricator

noun

pre·​var·​i·​ca·​tor -ātə(r) How to pronounce prevaricator (audio)
-ātə-
plural -s
Synonyms of prevaricatornext
1
: one who evades or perverts the truth
2
: one guilty of a breach of trust
such prevaricators of tithes were destined to find their part in hellG. G. Coulton
3
: one guilty of collusion in a court of law
4
: a master of arts at Cambridge University appointed to deliver a satirical oration at commencement according to a custom abandoned since the 18th century compare terrae filius

Word History

Etymology

Latin praevaricator advocate that acts in collusion with the opposing party, from praevaricatus (past participle of praevaricari) + -or

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Cite this Entry

“Prevaricator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevaricator. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

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