waffles
/ˈwɑːfəlz/
NOUN
1. A flat pastry pressed with a grid pattern
Flat cakes made from batter and cooked between patterned plates to create a distinctive grid-like surface.
1.1. Grid-patterned breakfast cakes
Sweet or plain cakes cooked in a waffle iron, commonly served with syrup, butter, fruit, or other toppings.
Synonyms
- pancakes
- flapjacks
- hotcakes
- griddle cakes
- wheat cakes
- slapjacks
- crepes
- blini
- blinis
- blintzes
Examples
- Waffles with maple syrup and whipped cream are a classic breakfast indulgence.
- The brunch menu featured a variety of sweet and savory waffles.
- The aroma of freshly baked waffles filled the kitchen.
Related Words
1.2. Potato waffles
Savory flat cakes made primarily from potato and pressed into a waffle-like grid pattern.
Synonyms
- potato cakes
- potato pancakes
- potato patties
Examples
- The restaurant served crispy potato waffles as a savory side dish.
Related Words
- potatoes
- hash browns
- savory cakes
- potato fritters
VERB
2. Speaking vaguely or evasively
To avoid giving a direct answer or expressing a definite opinion by speaking indirectly or ambiguously.
2.1. Avoiding a direct answer
Deliberately avoiding a question or subject by giving vague, indirect, or evasive responses.
Synonyms
- evades
- dodges
- ducks
- equivocates
- hedges
- pussyfoots
- circumvents
- sidesteps
- skirts
- weasels
- beats around the bush
- beats about the bush
Antonyms
- answers directly
- clarifies
- speaks plainly
- is candid
- is forthright
Examples
- The politician waffles whenever journalists ask about the controversial proposal.
- Instead of answering the question, he waffles around the subject.
Related Words
- prevaricates
- fudges
- flip-flops
- tergiversates
- quibbles
- vacillates
2.2. Hesitating between opposing positions
Repeatedly changing opinions or avoiding a firm position instead of making a clear decision.
Synonyms
- flip-flops
- vacillates
- wavers
- equivocates
- straddles
- straddles the fence
- yo-yoes
- hedges
Antonyms
- decides
- commits
- resolves
- stands firm
- remains consistent
Examples
- The candidate waffles on important policy issues instead of taking a definite position.
- The committee waffles between two competing proposals.
Related Words
- dithers
- hesitates
- oscillates
- shilly-shallies
- changes mind
- fluctuates
2.3. Avoiding responsibilities or decisions
Avoiding an obligation, choice, or commitment by delaying, refusing, or finding indirect ways to escape it.
Synonyms
- shirks
- eschews
- shuns
- bypasses
- circumvents
- evades
Antonyms
- accepts
- undertakes
- confronts
- fulfills
- embraces
Examples
- He waffles on his responsibilities instead of addressing the problems directly.