Definition of "temporize" [tem•po•rize]

• To act evasively in order to gain time, avoid argument, or postpone a decision: "Colonial officials . . . ordered to enforce unpopular enactments, tended to temporize, to find excuses for evasion” ( J.H. Parry). (verb-intransitive)
• To engage in discussions or negotiations, especially so as to achieve a compromise or gain time. (verb-intransitive)
• To yield to current circumstances or necessities; act to suit the time. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Cowardice is called meekness; to temporize is to be charitable and reverent; to speak truth, and shame the devil, is to offend weak brethren, who, somehow or other, never complain of their weak consciences till you hit them hard."
• "Gorbachev was more of a juggler, somebody who would kind of temporize, try to find compromises eternally, and that was very important."
• "Against his will and against his nature he began to temporize, meaning later to revenge his present humiliation upon his son."