Equivocated

HEDGED

Avoided giving a direct answer, like a politician might when pressed for a clear stance.

Equivocated" means speaking in a way that avoids commitment, and "hedged" fits perfectly as it describes giving an answer that’s deliberately vague or noncommittal. The word also plays on the idea of a hedge as a barrier—just like someone might "hedge their bets" to avoid taking a clear stance. It’s a straightforward synonym clue with no hidden tricks, just matching the definition directly.