illusive

adjective

Definition of illusivenext
as in illusory

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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 illusive Four intrepid sleuths crack case after case with their unconventional investigative approaches — and illusive fashion, from distracting hats to reassuring blazers. — Fawnia Soo Hoo, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025 There is nothing wrong with wanting to be in communication or to lurk on their pages — especially when Venus retrograde links up with illusive Neptune on March 27th. — Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 27 Feb. 2025 The month wraps up with a very special cosmic event, as illusive and intuitive Neptune will leave your sign for the first time in nearly 15 years, ingressing into fiery Aries. — Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Feb. 2025 The ever-illusive Banksy, whose real identity remains a mystery, was not always so secretive, reveals the BBC. — The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusive
  1. illusory
  2. imaginary
  3. delusive
  4. deceptive
  5. obvious
  6. manifest
  7. misleading
  8. delusory
Adjective
  • In both races, polls signaled double-digit leads that proved illusory when votes were counted.
    — W. Joseph Campbell, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
  • As a result, any illusory effects would likely be lost on a viewer.
    — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of illusory
Adjective
  • Forte_Forte For spring 2027, Giada Forte embarked on an imaginary journey inspired by the Spice Route, combining nods to destinations from Venice to Egypt to Morocco.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Stewart smiled while on her way to the bench as the ESPN broadcast highlighted Jonquel Jones stirring an imaginary pot on the sidelines.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of imaginary
Adjective
  • This isn’t callousness or delusive optimism but, rather, a rebellion against the suffocating expectation that the elderly have foreclosed the possibility of joy.
    — Hillary Kelly, The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2024
  • To separate art from its historical framework is futile, and to reject it in an effort to censor past violence is a delusive act of virtue signaling.
    — WSJ, WSJ, 5 July 2022
Definition of delusive
Adjective
  • About 7 in 10 ads carried no AI disclosure, although the count includes uses beyond deceptive impersonations and does not establish how many ads violated a law or misled voters.
    — Stefani Langehennig, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Shrinkflation is particularly confusing, perhaps even deceptive, since sticker prices may remain the same even as the amount of product inside the package quietly falls.
    — Sheldon H. Jacobson, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • Venus in your sign opposes the Moon in your partnership zone, increasing attraction while making differences in comfort, affection, or timing more obvious.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Perhaps those ratios seem obvious; just about half the money from a little less than half the screens.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Two years later, as massive success seemed like the Eagles’ manifest destiny, that tandem cut their bandmates out of a publishing deal, setting themselves up with a never-ending sinecure but setting their original quartet up to crumble.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The books’ capacious geography felt like a girlish form of manifest destiny.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of manifest
Adjective
  • These limitations could easily produce an analysis that is misleading or inaccurate.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
  • As Congress debated the legislation in May 2025, the White House put out a news release with the misleading claim that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act would remove Medicaid coverage for people who are in the country without authorization.
    — Phil Galewitz, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of misleading
Adjective
  • That is delusory of course, but it can be fashioned into a victory claim that might well be readily embraced by war-weary and war-wary Russians in the public and among the elite.
    — John Mueller, Foreign Affairs, 29 Nov. 2022
Definition of delusory

Browse Nearby Words

illusions
illusive
illusory
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Cite this Entry

“Illusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illusive. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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