elude

verb

ē-ˈlüd

eluded; eluding

Synonyms of elude next

transitive verb

: to avoid adroitly : evade

the mice eluded the traps

managed to elude capture

: to escape the perception, understanding, or grasp of

subtlety simply eludes them

victory continued to elude us

: defy sense 2

it eludes explanation

Choose the Right Synonym for elude

escape, avoid, evade, elude, shun, eschew mean to get away or keep away from something.

escape stresses the fact of getting away or being passed by not necessarily through effort or by conscious intent.

nothing escapes her sharp eyes

avoid stresses forethought and caution in keeping clear of danger or difficulty.

try to avoid past errors

evade implies adroitness, ingenuity, or lack of scruple in escaping or avoiding.

evaded the question by changing the subject

elude implies a slippery or baffling quality in the person or thing that escapes.

what she sees in him eludes me

shun often implies an avoiding as a matter of habitual practice or policy and may imply repugnance or abhorrence.

you have shunned your responsibilities

eschew implies an avoiding or abstaining from as unwise or distasteful.

a playwright who eschews melodrama

Examples of elude in a Sentence

The killer was able to elude the police. The killer has eluded capture. The cause of the disease continues to elude researchers.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Of course, the burning question on everyone's mind when the 67th Annual Grammy Awards kick off Sunday, Feb. 2, at Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena is if Bey will finally, finally click her wrist and strut away holding the trophy that has eluded her time and time again: Album of the Year. —

Jason Lamphier, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2025 And as Feinstein points out, although forever love eluded her, for Minnelli, there are no regrets. —

Jeremy Helligar, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025 Online support groups have emerged organically, offering 24/7 community when sleep eludes you. —

Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 Huge and athletic, the 6-foot-5, 240-pounder had the quickness and agility to elude NFL defenders, yet also sought out and won collisions against linebackers and safeties. —

Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for elude