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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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 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 And yet theme park designer can feel like an elusive dream job, one based on connections, mentoring or even just luck. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Arcel is masterful in a character study whose protagonist is often unreadable and elusive — and whose previously unexposed inner cold streak proves catastrophic to her community. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elusive
  1. slippery
  2. transient
  3. evasive
Adjective
  • Rubio weaves stories about heartbreak, drugs, and the slippery, occasionally hallucinatory process of finding your way back to your own life.
    — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But the terrain is treacherous with muddy roads and slippery rocks.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of slippery
Adjective
  • 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
  • Davis, West Sacramento and unincorporated Sacramento County already charge a 12% transient occupancy tax, and Measure X would bring Yolo County’s rate in line with those jurisdictions.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of transient
Adjective
  • The garbage truck driver took evasive action and avoided a collision.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Companies often overoptimize to say the safest possible thing and end up sounding evasive or inhuman.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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