Synonyms of elusive

elusive

adjective

ē-ˈlü-siv 

as in slippery

hard to find, capture, or isolate

the giant squid is one of the ocean's most elusive inhabitants

Synonyms & Similar Words

• slippery
• transient
• evasive
• fleeting
• temporary
• inaccessible
• passing
• fugitive
• ephemeral
• unavailable
• evanescent
• unobtainable
• transitory
• momentary
• unattainable
• untouchable
• shifty
• unreachable
• cagey
• short-lived
• inconvenient
• unapproachable
• impermanent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• available
• convenient
• attainable
• obtainable
• accessible
• reachable
• approachable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of elusive

Nearly three-quarters of a century later, the ceasefire remains in place — even as both sides have exchanged cross-border gunfire over the years, and as a formal peace treaty remains elusive. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Despite this, effective regulations remained elusive for decades. — Rebecca Florsheim, STAT, 17 July 2026

Lonnie’s dream is to get back on the PGA tour and claim that elusive grand slam. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Despite being one of the world's oldest surviving species, little is known about this elusive animal. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 16 July 2026