1. delayed making a decision or taking action in order to gain time
Usage: past tense of temporise; British spelling
2. adapted one’s behavior to circumstances or requirements
Usage: past tense of temporise; British spelling

Examples

• The committee temporised for weeks before announcing their decision.
• She temporised when asked about her future plans.
• The government temporised while public pressure mounted.
• He temporised with his critics to avoid confrontation.
• The negotiator temporised to buy more time for discussions.
• Rather than take a firm stance, they temporised on the issue.