evasive

adjective

eva·​sive i-ˈvā-siv 

-ziv, 

ē-

: tending or intended to evade : equivocal

evasive answers

evasively adverb

evasiveness noun

Synonyms of evasive

• elusive

Examples of evasive in a Sentence

She gave an evasive answer.

They took evasive action to avoid capture.

Recent Examples on the Web

But if a client is already frustrated, that same message can feel cold or evasive. —Denise Turley, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026

Here's why crafting Arizona's budget this year could be even more evasive. —Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Cabello’s strength lies not only in his evasive tactics but also in his street-level network. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026

Cole’s attorneys argued that the government has not presented any evidence that suggests evasive conduct or resistance to law enforcement. —Gary Grumbach, NBC news, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

evasive

adjective

eva·​sive i-ˈvā-siv 

-ziv

: tending or meant to evade

gave an evasive answer

evasively adverb

evasiveness noun

Legal Definition

evasive

adjective

eva·​sive i-ˈvā-siv, -ziv 

: tending or intending to evade

Note: Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 37(a)(4), an evasive or incomplete answer to an interrogatory or to a question at a deposition is treated as a failure to answer and may be subject to an opponent's motion to compel an answer.

evasively adverb

evasiveness noun