Definition

A person who avoids giving direct answers or information, often to delay or obstruct a situation.

Example

During the meeting, he acted as a stonewaller, refusing to answer any questions directly.

Conversation

Did you notice how he always avoids answering questions?

Yeah, it feels like he's a total stonewaller sometimes.

Right? It makes it hard to have a real conversation with him.

Exactly! I wish he would just be more open.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stonewaller → The word is formed from "stone" (from Old English "stan", meaning a hard, solid mineral) and "-waller" (from the verb "to wall", meaning to enclose or surround). A stonewaller refers to someone who builds or maintains a wall made of stone, often used metaphorically to describe someone who is evasive or uncommunicative in conversation.

Memory Tip

Think of a person who builds a 'wall' ('-waller') made of 'stone' — this helps you remember that a stonewaller is someone who creates barriers, often in communication.

Visually Confused Words