evasive

adjective

eva·​sive i-ˈvā-siv 

-ziv, 

ē-

: tending or intended to evade : equivocal

evasive answers

evasively adverb

evasiveness noun

Synonyms of evasive

• elusive

Examples of evasive in a Sentence

She gave an evasive answer.

They took evasive action to avoid capture.

Recent Examples on the Web

Pursuits are when deputies follow in an attempt to apprehend suspects who are trying to evade arrest, driving at high speeds or through other evasive tactics. —Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026

Most hypersonic missiles can perform evasive maneuvers while in flight, hindering detection and interception, unlike regular missiles. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026

Two Southwest Airlines jets recently had to take evasive action at Nashville International Airport after collision alarms sounded in the cockpit. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026

Both planes' Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems ordered the pilots to take evasive maneuvers. —Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

evasive

adjective

eva·​sive i-ˈvā-siv 

-ziv

: tending or meant to evade

gave an evasive answer

evasively adverb

evasiveness noun

Legal Definition

evasive

adjective

eva·​sive i-ˈvā-siv, -ziv 

: 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