Definitions

elude

[ih-lood] / ɪˈlud /

VERB

avoid; escape

Synonyms

STRONGEST

baffle confound dodge evade flee foil frustrate outrun outwit puzzle shun stall stonewall thwart

STRONG

bilk circumvent ditch double duck eschew fly shirk shuck shy stump

WEAK

be beyond someone beat around the bush cop out get around get away from give the runaround give the slip give wide berth to hem and haw not touch pass the buck pass up run around stay shy of steer clear of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abet aid assist clarify clear up encourage enlighten explain face help meet support

WEAK

attract confront encounter entice invite take on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While eye-popping gains will elude them, even schools that have less exposure can see big gains by more conventional measures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

But for reasons that still elude scientists, this arrangement falls apart when seawater warms too much and the algae leave or are expelled.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

He had also brought his bike, which seemed to be the best way to elude the masses.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Answers elude the watchful girl even as Ms. Keegan illuminates each telling detail of the land, of farm life and of adult ways.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

He has no chance of leaping from the bed to elude a surprise attack.

From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly

Vocabulary lists containing elude

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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The Outsiders

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Grade 9, List 1

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