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
  • Thomas drives away with a limp, malfunctioning Vision next to him, and an illusory, wisecracking Ultron in the back seat.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Yet these promises of a self-running state are illusory, because AI is never truly autonomous.
    — Seva Gunitsky, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of illusory
Adjective
  • The wealth tax opponents have applied the age-old technique of mustering superficially plausible, but largely imaginary, consequences of passage.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The genre gave him considerably more freedom to invent architectural settings, mixing classical ruins, waterways, and figures into elaborate imaginary landscapes.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 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
  • The Idaho Consumer Protection Act, enacted in 1971, protects consumers from false, deceptive or misleading representations, advertising, pricing and contracts.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2026
  • What Apple says about suspicious iMessages Apple says this type of deceptive messaging uses social engineering, a tactic in which scammers rely on impersonation and manipulation to persuade people to share personal information.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • Many players have obvious economic incentives to seek to extend their collegiate careers for as long as possible.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The press release probably didn’t need to also say the company imbued it with distinctive character or charm; that’s quite obvious from the design.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Co-existence with extraterrestrials has seen humans revert to old habits of prejudice and apartheid; crime and corruption are rampant as ever; pop-up ads now irksomely manifest as holograms in your personal space.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The necessity of maintaining fuel efficiency standards is manifest in California, where about 40% of those emissions come from auto and truck tailpipes.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of manifest
Adjective
  • As a result, choosing a plan based solely on monthly premiums can be misleading.
    — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Idaho Consumer Protection Act, enacted in 1971, protects consumers from false, deceptive or misleading representations, advertising, pricing and contracts.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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