circumlocution

noun

Meaning

The use of many words where fewer would do, often in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive.

Examples

  • The politician's answer was nothing but a series of circumlocutions designed to avoid a direct 'yes' or 'no'.
  • Legal documents are often criticized for their reliance on unnecessary circumlocution.

Synonyms: wordiness, verbosity, periphrasis, beating around the bush