Synonym Chooser

How does the verb palter differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of palter are equivocate, fib, lie, and prevaricate. While all these words mean "to tell an untruth," palter implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere promises.

a swindler paltering with his investors

When is equivocate a more appropriate choice than palter?

While the synonyms equivocate and palter are close in meaning, equivocate implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another.

equivocated endlessly in an attempt to mislead her inquisitors

When is it sensible to use fib instead of palter?

The words fib and palter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fib applies to a telling of a trivial untruth.

fibbed about the price of the new suit

When can lie be used instead of palter?

Although the words lie and palter have much in common, lie is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty.

lied about where he had been

How do prevaricate and lie relate to one another, in the sense of palter?

Prevaricate softens the bluntness of lie by implying quibbling or confusing the issue.

during the hearings the witness did his best to prevaricate

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of palter Rather than wait to share the witches’ paltering pronouncements with Lady M (Indira Varma) in person, the thane of Glamis chooses to send word to his wife in advance of his return from battle. Rhoda Feng, Washington Post, 14 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palter
Verb
  • Nearly all Democrats, 97 percent, and a large majority of independents, 77 percent, think that tariffs will deal a short-term blow to the nation’s economy.
    Filip Timotija, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The Yankees were also dealt several blows to the bullpen because of injuries.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The acquisition was negotiated by Miles Fineburg representing Samuel Goldwyn Films, with Studiocanal’s team including Chloe Marquet (head of international sales), Charlotte Lopez (senior VP of international sales) and Sophie Leuthreau (head of business and legal affairs international distribution).
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Even an indication that the White House is willing to negotiate with trading partners could help stem the losses.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Since then, the index has been retreating amid growing signs of economic weakness in the U.S. and as Trump’s trade policies proved more aggressive than Wall Street bargained for.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Postal workers first earned the right to collectively bargain in 1970, Capone said, and since the early 80s the postal service has managed to exist without the benefit of additional federal dollars or support.
    Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But that will take time, especially as lawmakers haggle over significant tax policy changes that also would be included in the bill.
    Axios, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The weekends-only market quickly established a loyal following: those who love hunting through the racks of vintage garments, perusing the Turkish rugs, delighting in quirky art finds, or haggling over a Mid-Century coffee table.
    Jenny Adams, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Palter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palter. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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