temporizer

Definition of temporizernext
1
as in chameleon
a person who dexterously and expediently changes or adopts opinions the kind of temporizer who determines his position on a political issue by taking a look at the polls

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2
as in machinator
one who does things only for his own benefit and with little regard for right and wrong a lifelong temporizer, he was for the war as long as it was popular and against it the minute the tide of public opinion went the other way

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for temporizer
Noun
  • Dozens of the carriers exhibit indicators of being chameleon carriers.
    Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The color is like a burgundy-brown chameleon that could be either, and certainly looks nice regardless.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These sharks are thought to be bottom-feeders, preying on fish that frequent the floors of rivers and estuaries.
    John P. Rafferty, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Games against real teams will reveal far more about the Magic’s mindset than any blowout over a bottom-feeder.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Some of the backlash is predicated on harmful stereotypes about trans women that portray them as predatory opportunists.
    Jenna Norosky, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The move has prompted a flurry of skepticism and controversy—including an accusation of plagiarism—in a scene wary of trend-hopping, post-Brat opportunists.
    Lydia Wei, Pitchfork, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • While the director’s last studio hit, 1999’s Deep Blue Sea, shares shark DNA, the new thriller’s roots are deeply embedded in 1970s disaster movies, not least the truly dreadful Airport ’77.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Guest shark Rashaun Williams strapped on his court shoes, wiped them on their mini mat and stomped onto their court.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Temporizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temporizer. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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