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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 results have often left me highly frustrated, but also have given me indescribable joy at the fact of having absorbed (although only partially, of course) some of the elusive beauty of those marvelous, magical, mysteriously alluring tongues. — Douglas Hofstadter, Time, 30 June 2026 Ever since Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen retired from acting, the former stars of Full House have become increasingly elusive, making the rare casual sighting of the sisters something of an event. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026 Oatmeal Cookie is one of the more straightforward flavors, pairing oatmeal and vanilla frosting, while Saturday Morning Cartoons captures the more elusive feeling with a combination of fruity cereal and cream. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Already this year, the elusive-yet-ubiquitous producer is credited on Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE’s POMPEII // UTILITY, a song with Compton’s $amaad, and an ambient instrumental tape. — Oba Awolowo, Pitchfork, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for elusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elusive
  1. slippery
  2. transient
  3. evasive
Adjective
  • The American Southwest has a way of making scale feel slippery.
    — Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026
  • For example, slim velvet hangers save room on the rod and help slippery items stay put.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026
Definition of slippery
Adjective
  • The bears seen in large urban centers and agricultural areas, like the southeastern corners of the state and parts of the western border, are generally transient, as those areas don't have enough woods to create a good habitat.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The guest population is transient, with many checking in for short stays on their way in or out of town.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
Definition of transient
Adjective
  • James Blair, the former White House political director who left his government job to coordinate the president’s midterm efforts, was evasive in an interview with Sean Spicer, a former Republican spokesman who hosts a podcast.
    — Thomas Beaumont, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2026
  • James Blair, the former White House political director who left his government job to coordinate the president’s midterm efforts, was evasive in an interview with Sean Spicer, a former Republican spokesman who hosts a podcast.
    — Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on elusive

Nglish: Translation of elusive for Spanish Speakers

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