evasive

adjective

eva·​sive i-ˈvā-siv 

-ziv,

ē-

: tending or intended to evade : equivocal

evasive answers

evasively adverb

evasiveness noun

Synonyms

• elusive
• fugitive
• slippery

Examples of evasive in a Sentence

She gave an evasive answer.

They took evasive action to avoid capture.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tandem bike riding can require coordination and communication between front and rear riders, since maneuvers such as sharp turns or evasive steering must be performed in unison. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025

According to the research team, a chemical in the Adélie penguin’s poo can trigger krill into evasive maneuvers. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025

Though the team has been evasive about nailing down a position, the hard part is over. —Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025

Trump could, in fact, harbor lots of mental reservations and evasive purposes regarding the Constitution and still not violate the oath as written. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

evasive

adjective

eva·​sive i-ˈvā-siv 

-ziv

: tending or meant to evade

gave an evasive answer

evasively adverb

evasiveness noun

Legal Definition

evasive

adjective

eva·​sive i-ˈvā-siv, -ziv 

: tending or intending to evade

Note: Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 37(a)(4), an evasive or incomplete answer to an interrogatory or to a question at a deposition is treated as a failure to answer and may be subject to an opponent's motion to compel an answer.

evasively adverb

evasiveness noun