eluded; eluding
1
: to avoid adroitly : evade
the mice eluded the traps
managed to elude capture
2
: to escape the perception, understanding, or grasp of
subtlety simply eludes them
victory continued to elude us
3
: defy sense 2
it eludes explanation
Synonyms
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
Image There were starters of cheeseburger sliders, prepared with a precision that eludes most home cooks, firecracker shrimp and bowls of tortilla soup.
—
Alan Blinder Doug Mills, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024
Tisch has committed her department to implementing these changes, along with other improvements that have eluded previous sanitation commissioners.
—Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elude 
Alan Blinder Doug Mills, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024
Tisch has committed her department to implementing these changes, along with other improvements that have eluded previous sanitation commissioners.
—Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elude
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near elude
Cite this Entry
“Elude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elude. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
elude
verb
eluded; eluding
1
: to avoid or escape by being quick, skillful, or tricky
2
: to escape the understanding or grasp of
the explanation eludes me
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