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Showing results for elusive. Search instead for elusive/2.
Definitions

elusive

[ih-loo-siv] / ɪˈlu sɪv /
ADJECTIVE
evasive, mysterious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ambiguous fleeting illusory incomprehensible puzzling slippery subtle tricky volatile
WEAK
baffling cagey deceitful deceptive difficult to catch elusory equivocal evanescent fallacious fraudulent fugacious fugitive greasy imponderable indefinable insubstantial intangible misleading occult phantom shifty shy stonewalling transient transitory unspecific
Antonyms
STRONGEST
definite honest intelligible stable understandable
WEAK
attracting confronting encountering enticing facing inviting

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.

This elusive, iridescent predator relies on split-second timing and is rarely seen, let alone photographed.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Melania Trump has been taking on an increasingly public-facing role in recent months, after being an initially elusive presence at the White House early in her husband's second term.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Proving that in any individual case remains elusive.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 2026

Good thrillers need a villain that is elusive, relentless and lethal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

We were a ragtag team of undocumented immigrants, and for us the American dream was more elusive than Banksy's true identity.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.