evasive

adjective

eva·​sive i-ˈvā-siv How to pronounce evasive (audio)
-ziv, 
ē-
Synonyms of evasive
: tending or intended to evade : equivocal
evasive answers
evasively adverb
evasiveness noun

Synonyms of evasive

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Examples of evasive in a Sentence

She gave an evasive answer. They took evasive action to avoid capture.
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.
Yale sees things differently, and its filings portray Rignol as stalling and evasive. — Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026 Two Delta Air Lines planes carrying hundreds of passengers between them had a close call at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport this week and had to perform evasive maneuvers. — Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 29 July 2026 The image of Collins is in focus, and her delicate features seem lined with suspicion, whereas Glenn’s form is out of focus, giving him an evasive aura. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026 UUVs run quieter, operate at varied depths, and can be programmed for evasive behavior. — Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for evasive

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of evasive was in 1637

Browse Nearby Words

evasional
evasive
evasively
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Evasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evasive. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

evasive

adjective
eva·​sive i-ˈvā-siv How to pronounce evasive (audio)
-ziv
: tending or meant to evade
gave an evasive answer
evasively adverb
evasiveness noun

Legal Definition

evasive

adjective
eva·​sive i-ˈvā-siv, -ziv How to pronounce evasive (audio)
: tending or intending to evade

Note: Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 37(a)(4), an evasive or incomplete answer to an interrogatory or to a question at a deposition is treated as a failure to answer and may be subject to an opponent's motion to compel an answer.

evasively adverb
evasiveness noun

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Nglish: Translation of evasive for Spanish Speakers

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