equivocate

In lang=en terms the difference between equivocate and cavil

is that equivocate is to use words of equivocal or doubtful signification; to express one's opinions in terms which admit of different senses, with intent to deceive; to use ambiguous expressions with a view to mislead; as, to equivocate is the work of duplicity while cavil is to criticise for petty or frivolous reasons.

As verbs the difference between equivocate and cavil

is that equivocate is to use words of equivocal or doubtful signification; to express one's opinions in terms which admit of different senses, with intent to deceive; to use ambiguous expressions with a view to mislead; as, to equivocate is the work of duplicity while cavil is to criticise for petty or frivolous reasons.

As a noun cavil is

a petty or trivial objection or criticism.