temporizers

plural of temporizer
1
as in chameleons
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 machinators
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 temporizers
Noun
  • Even better, these sleek shoes act as closet chameleons, blending seamlessly with everything from office outfits to errands ensembles without issue.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
  • Think of this as the way chameleons change color to blend into their surroundings for protection.
    Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 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
  • The Warriors already might be too far ahead in the standings to catch bottom-feeders like the New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers in the race to maximize their draft-lottery odds.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • They are hired hands and stewards of other people’s capital, with no desire to becoming embroiled in internecine squabbles between clashing advocates, parochial activists, and plain opportunists latching on to the moment.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026
  • Some residents allege illnesses like Ebola are elevated by opportunists trying to profit.
    Ope Adetayo, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • But behind that iconic shape is a life history strategy that makes the species especially vulnerable to fishing pressure; these sharks grow slowly, mature late and produce relatively few young over their lifetime.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The group stage would be a series of blowouts, the sharks would devour the minnows.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 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

“Temporizers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temporizers. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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