What does "temporize" mean?
To deliberately act evasively or prolong a discussion in order to gain time or postpone a decision, sometimes so that a compromise can be reached or simply to make a conversation more temperate; to stall for time.
Temporize
/ˈtɛmpəɹaɪz/ verb
verb ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To deliberately act evasively or prolong a discussion in order to gain time or postpone a decision, sometimes so that a compromise can be reached or simply to make a conversation more temperate; to stall for time.
- Grammar: temporize is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: adopt temporarily, be a timeserver, be dilatory, continue.
- Useful contrasts: commit, concede, decide.
- Usage evidence: “There are more answers to that than you may think,” Chih temporized, because there were, but they could see that there was only one answer that really mattered to tigers.
How to use "temporize"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "temporize" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "temporize" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "temporize" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "temporize" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "temporize" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adopt temporarily" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "temporize", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To deliberately act evasively or prolong a discussion in order to gain time or postpone a decision, sometimes so that a compromise can be reached or simply to make a conversation more temperate; to stall for time. British, English, Oxford, US, intransitive
"“There are more answers to that than you may think,” Chih temporized, because there were, but they could see that there was only one answer that really mattered to tigers."
- 2 draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time wordnet
- 3 To discuss, to negotiate; to reach a compromise. British, English, Oxford, US, broadly, intransitive
"The Dolphin is too wilfull oppoſite, / And will not temporize with my intreaties: / He flatly ſaies, heell not lay downe his Armes."
- 4 To apply a temporary piece of dental work that will later be removed. British, English, Oxford, US, transitive
"This is especially true when we're faced with temporizing a patient who will ultimately receive veneer restorations."
- 5 To comply with the occasion or time; to humour, or yield to, current circumstances or opinion; also, to trim (“fluctuate between parties, so as to appear to favour each”). British, English, Oxford, US, archaic, intransitive
"Yet ſeeking at the firſt to temporize, / She tries if that ſome ſhort impriſonment / would calme their heat; when that would not ſuffize, / Then to exile him ſhee muſt needes conſent: [...]"
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To delay, especially until a more favourable time; to procrastinate. British, English, Oxford, US, intransitive, obsolete
"Pedro. Nay, if Cupid haue not ſpent all his quiuer in Venice, thou wilt quake for this ſhortly. / Bened[ick]. I looke for an earthquake too then. / Pedro. Well, you will temporize with the howres, [...]"
- 7 To take temporary measures or actions to manage a situation without providing a definitive or permanent solution. British, English, Oxford, US, transitive
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"“There are more answers to that than you may think,” Chih temporized, because there were, but they could see that there was only one answer that really mattered to tigers."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "temporize"?
Common synonyms include: adopt temporarily, be a timeserver, be dilatory, continue, dally, dawdle.
How do you use "temporize" in a sentence?
“There are more answers to that than you may think,” Chih temporized, because there were, but they could see that there was only one answer that really mattered to tigers.
How do you pronounce "temporize"?
Pronounced /ˈtɛmpəɹaɪz/.
Etymology
From Middle French temporiser (“to wait one's time, temporize”) + English -ize (suffix forming verbs). Temporiser is derived from Medieval Latin temporizāre, from Latin temporāre (“to delay, put off”) + -izāre (suffix forming the present active infinitive of verbs). Temporāre is derived from tempor-, the inflected stem of tempus (“age, time, period; season of the year; due, opportune, or proper time”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *temp-, *ten- (“to extend, stretch (in the sense of a stretch of time)”), or *temh₁- (“to cut (in the sense of a section of time)”)) + -āre. Compare temporalize.