Which word means to lie or deviate from the truth?

• A. Placate
• B. Pragmatic
• C. Precipitate
• D. Prevaricate

Answer: (D)

The concept here is a word that means lying or avoiding the truth. Prevaricate exactly captures that idea: to evade or misstate the truth, often by being evasive or false. It directly refers to not telling the truth.

Placate means to soothe or pacify someone, not about honesty. Pragmatic describes a sensible, practical approach, not about truth-telling. Precipitate means to cause something to happen quickly or to act hastily, again not related to honesty. So prevaricate is the one that best fits the idea of lying or deviating from the truth.