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
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
When Lockhart is mistaken for an actor after stumbling into a movie audition while eluding authorities in New York, he is sent to Los Angeles to study under Perry to prepare for another audition.
—
Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Garrett, who was paralyzed as a result of the crash, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, fleeing to elude high speed (serious bodily injury or death), battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence and criminal mischief.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
The Braves traded for some hitters in the summer, patched together the pitching in the fall and won a title, which has eluded them since despite better, healthier rosters.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
State police said the Honda driver was able to elude the box-in attempt and got off the highway allegedly going about 100 mph on the Exit 68 off-ramp, the warrant affidavits said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elude
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.
Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Garrett, who was paralyzed as a result of the crash, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, fleeing to elude high speed (serious bodily injury or death), battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence and criminal mischief.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
The Braves traded for some hitters in the summer, patched together the pitching in the fall and won a title, which has eluded them since despite better, healthier rosters.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
State police said the Honda driver was able to elude the box-in attempt and got off the highway allegedly going about 100 mph on the Exit 68 off-ramp, the warrant affidavits said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elude
Cite this Entry
“Elude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elude. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share