evasive

adjective

eva·​sive i-ˈvā-siv 

-ziv,

ē-

: tending or intended to evade : equivocal

evasive answers

evasively adverb

evasiveness noun

Synonyms

• elusive
• fugitive
• slippery

Examples of evasive in a Sentence

She gave an evasive answer.

They took evasive action to avoid capture.

Recent Examples on the Web

By leaning on legal technicalities, the Council risks appearing evasive, avoiding a clear position on an issue that deeply concerns our constituents. —Erin Murphy, Boston Herald, 13 May 2025

This is like the weirder Neil Young entry, swirly and evasive, beautiful but uncomfortable. —Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025

But his answers to senators’ questions about his past remarks and whether vaccines cause autism were consistently evasive. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2025

The International Space Station (ISS) executed evasive maneuvers Wednesday evening (April 30) to avoid a piece of passing space debris. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 1 May 2025

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