evades; evaded; evading
1
a
: to stay away from (someone or something) : to avoid (someone or something)
The criminals have so far managed to evade the police.
They have evaded capture/arrest. [=have avoided being captured/arrested]
His criminal activities somehow evaded detection. [=were not detected]
b
: to avoid dealing with or facing (something)
a politician skilled at evading difficult questions
The governor has been accused of evading the issue.
c
: to avoid doing (something required)
illegally evading taxes [=failing to pay taxes]
2
a
: to not be understood by (someone)
Their purpose in doing this evades me. [=I don't understand their purpose]
b
: to fail to be achieved by (someone)
Up to now, success has evaded [=eluded] me.
Cite this Entry
“Evade.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/evade. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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