EVASIVE Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

evasive

adjective

i-ˈvā-siv

as in elusive

hard to find, capture, or isolate believers in Bigfoot have never quite explained how such a large creature can be so evasive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 evasive Pursuits are when deputies follow in an attempt to apprehend suspects who are trying to evade arrest, driving at high speeds or through other evasive tactics. —

Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026 The investigation identified the evasive street artist as Robin Gunningham, who later changed his name to David Jones. —

Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026 Both planes' Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems ordered the pilots to take evasive maneuvers. —

Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 Their conversation is evasive and threatening and pregnant with decades of secrets, some shared and some to be revealed over the next six hours. —

Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evasive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for evasive

elusive

Adjective

Productivity growth remains elusive.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 June 2026
However, several sightings of what were believed to be great whites attacking seals actually turned out to be the elusive dusky shark, John Chisholm, adjunct scientist at the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, told ABC News.

— Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 June 2026