EVASIVE Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

evasive

adjective

i-ˈvā-siv

as in elusive

hard to find, capture, or isolate believers in Bigfoot have never quite explained how such a large creature can be so evasive

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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 evasive Most hypersonic missiles can perform evasive maneuvers while in flight, hindering detection and interception, unlike regular missiles. —

Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026 Two Southwest Airlines jets recently had to take evasive action at Nashville International Airport after collision alarms sounded in the cockpit. —

Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 Both planes' Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems ordered the pilots to take evasive maneuvers. —

Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 Their conversation is evasive and threatening and pregnant with decades of secrets, some shared and some to be revealed over the next six hours. —

Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evasive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for evasive

elusive

Adjective

And so a law of diminishing returns applies to this lighter and more elusive film, for all its bright, ephemeral pleasures.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 May 2026
In Bishop, homicide detective Bishop Graves (Joel Kinnaman) – brilliant, battle-scarred – will put all of his skills to the test in the hunt for an elusive killer targeting San Francisco’s moneyed class.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 May 2026