Synonyms of elusive

elusive

adjective

ē-ˈlü-siv 

as in slippery

hard to find, capture, or isolate

the giant squid is one of the ocean's most elusive inhabitants

Synonyms & Similar Words

• slippery
• transient
• evasive
• fleeting
• temporary
• inaccessible
• passing
• fugitive
• ephemeral
• unavailable
• evanescent
• unobtainable
• transitory
• momentary
• unattainable
• untouchable
• shifty
• unreachable
• cagey
• short-lived
• inconvenient
• unapproachable
• impermanent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• available
• convenient
• attainable
• obtainable
• accessible
• reachable
• approachable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of elusive

On blogs and podcasts, the commentariat has marvelled at the emergence of an elusive bipartisan consensus. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Negative investor sentiment and oversold conditions are the right setup for a rebound, but the timing of a bounce remains elusive because bond yields need to come down. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Behind the scenes, the brilliant and taciturn spymaster Smiley orchestrates operations while the elusive Soviet mastermind Karla looms in the shadows, setting the stage for a conflict that will define a generation. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026

This time, in collaboration with Dimoregallery, the luxury brand’s historic Villa Mozart was transformed into a set that took guests into the life of an elusive Milanese woman. — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026