elude

[ih-lood] / ɪˈlud /

VERB

avoid; escape

Synonyms

STRONGEST

baffle confound dodge evade flee foil frustrate outrun outwit puzzle shun stall stonewall thwart

STRONG

bilk circumvent ditch double duck eschew fly shirk shuck shy stump

WEAK

be beyond someone beat around the bush cop out get around get away from give the runaround give the slip give wide berth to hem and haw not touch pass the buck pass up run around stay shy of steer clear of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abet aid assist clarify clear up encourage enlighten explain face help meet support

WEAK

attract confront encounter entice invite take on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While McIlroy's relief and joy at finally landing the one major to elude him came pouring out on the 18th green, Justin Rose watched on - wondering what might have been.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

His comrades have been slowly picked off, and without human connections he has further transformed into a hunted animal, driven to elude his pursuers purely by “anger and desperation.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Carlos Alcaraz is targeting a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open but winning the only major to elude him will be no easy feat with great rival Jannik Sinner standing in his way.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

Prizes may elude Liu this awards season, but she should be in the conversation.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

Even if they were lucky enough to elude the patrol, they could not possibly hide from the bloodhounds.

From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry

Vocabulary lists containing elude

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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The Outsiders

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Grade 9, List 1

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