evasive

adjective

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

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.
Like Gellar, Brandy had been evasive in pre-release interviews, making her appearance more surprising — and, thanks to the way Robinson ties all the films in the series together, more satisfying. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 July 2025 Today’s missile threats are faster, stealthier and more evasive than ever. Paul Lipman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 The bust marks a rare and direct strike against one of the world’s most evasive cyber adversaries. Michael Barnhart, Fortune, 3 July 2025 At the press conference that caps his visit, Schoof is evasive when asked if the Dutch will agree to the 5% goal. Adam Rasmi, Time, 20 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Evasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evasive. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on evasive

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