elusive

adjective

ē-ˈlü-siv How to pronounce elusive (audio)
Definition of elusivenext
as in slippery
hard to find, capture, or isolate the giant squid is one of the ocean's most elusive inhabitants

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of elusive One rarely discerns the quiet, elusive beauty of boglands from above. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 But a successful plan to restore and reopen the Uptown has remained elusive. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 The three-part series takes audiences through the life of Harry Houdini, from his childhood through some of his most elusive acts as an illusionist during the early 20th century. — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026 But Willoughby, as Austen’s readers know, will prove an even more elusive catch than Ferrars. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elusive
  1. slippery
  2. transient
  3. evasive
Adjective
  • The collagen-rich mixture gives the noodles their slippery texture, which Orlando complements with smoked chili, sunflower-seed miso, and fermented chili cream.
    — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The connection between the electrode and the organic film is slippery.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of slippery
Adjective
  • The transient air pressure of a passing thunderstorm, or the excessive production of cow patties, spoiled the chips.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Back in February, Wyandotte County commissioners decided that the local government would direct a portion of its future sales, use and transient guest tax revenues to pay for the Chiefs development.
    — Sofi Zeman October 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of transient
Adjective
  • Both Yotova and Radev have called for a diplomatic solution to end the war in Ukraine but remain evasive about possible Russian involvement in drone attacks in the Black Sea region.
    — Veselin Toshkov, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Many artists and audiences seem to think that a clinical, alienating, ironic, evasive, or aesthetically empty eye makes work very highbrow.
    — Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of evasive

Browse Nearby Words

elusion
elusive
elutriate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elusive. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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