elude

verb

ē-ˈlüd 

eluded; eluding

transitive verb

1

: to avoid adroitly : evade

the mice eluded the traps

managed to elude capture

2

: to escape the perception, understanding, or grasp of

subtlety simply eludes them

victory continued to elude us

3

: defy sense 2

it eludes explanation

Synonyms

• evade
• avoid
• escape

Choose the Right Synonym for elude

escape, avoid, evade, elude, shun, eschew mean to get away or keep away from something.

escape stresses the fact of getting away or being passed by not necessarily through effort or by conscious intent.

nothing escapes her sharp eyes

avoid stresses forethought and caution in keeping clear of danger or difficulty.

try to avoid past errors

evade implies adroitness, ingenuity, or lack of scruple in escaping or avoiding.

evaded the question by changing the subject

elude implies a slippery or baffling quality in the person or thing that escapes.

what she sees in him eludes me

shun often implies an avoiding as a matter of habitual practice or policy and may imply repugnance or abhorrence.

you have shunned your responsibilities

eschew implies an avoiding or abstaining from as unwise or distasteful.

a playwright who eschews melodrama

Examples of elude in a Sentence

The killer was able to elude the police.

The killer has eluded capture.

The cause of the disease continues to elude researchers.

Recent Examples on the Web

But a direct take on Mary Shelley’s classic novel has eluded him until now, and the $120 million passion project could put him right back in the heart of the awards race. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2025

As the Brewers prepare to spend this weekend honoring Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Uecker, fans are hoping the team can pay tribute to him by making the deep playoff run that has eluded this franchise lately. —Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025

Williams has led Jones to two state title games (2019 and 2024), but the ultimate crown has still eluded him. —Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025

In today’s issue: ▪ GOP sues to block California redistricting ▪ Russia peace plan eludes Trump, allies ▪ Tariff price hikes to hit your wallet ▪ MAHA vs. MAGA Republicans are taking their battle against Gavin Newsom to court. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin eludere, from e- + ludere to play — more at ludicrous

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing elude

• elude someone's grasp

Rhymes for elude

• accrued
• allude
• collude
• conclude
• construed
• debuted
• delude
• endued
• ensued
• eschewed
• etude
• exclude

Kids Definition

elude

verb

ē-ˈlüd 

eluded; eluding

1

: to avoid or escape by being quick, skillful, or tricky

2

: to escape the understanding or grasp of

the explanation eludes me