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.

In Borrego Springs, you’ll find a mini explosion of sunflowers, desert sand-verbena, basket evening primrose and even elusive desert lilies.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

Dr. Nester explained that eDNA is especially valuable for detecting fragile, fast-moving, or elusive marine species that may escape traditional nets and underwater cameras.

From Science Daily • May 14, 2026

While a tariffs truce was agreed last year, a permanent resolution to the dispute has so far remained elusive.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

Footwear stocks keep stubbing their toe, and a sustained recovery remains elusive.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Bent forward at the waist, groping with both hands, he seemed to be chasing some creature just beyond reach, something elusive, a fish or a frog.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien

Vocabulary lists containing elusive

List 2

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The Hunger Games

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The Things They Carried

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