elusive

[ih-loo-siv] / ɪˈlu sɪv /

ADJECTIVE

evasive, mysterious

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambiguous fleeting illusory incomprehensible puzzling slippery subtle tricky volatile

WEAK

baffling cagey deceitful deceptive difficult to catch elusory equivocal evanescent fallacious fraudulent fugacious fugitive greasy imponderable indefinable insubstantial intangible misleading occult phantom shifty shy stonewalling transient transitory unspecific

Antonyms

STRONGEST

definite honest intelligible stable understandable

WEAK

attracting confronting encountering enticing facing inviting

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.

But now, a global watchdog warns of big trouble if a peace deal proves elusive and the conflict gets any worse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Iran had continued to pump crude to Asia since the start of the Middle East war, partly shielded by its elusive "dark fleet".

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

He is a top-level coach, but his players are struggling for regular starts in England's top domestic league, so wins might remain elusive.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Efforts to restore the beloved building, declared a historic monument soon after it was shuttered, have proved elusive.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

As long as Buttercup feels he has the chance of catching the elusive light under his paws, he’s bristling with aggression.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

Vocabulary lists containing elusive

List 2

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The Hunger Games

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The Things They Carried

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