elude
verb (used with object)
to avoid or escape by speed, cleverness, trickery, etc.; evade.
had eluded
-
past perfectof elude.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He had eluded capture by setting up several camps in dense bush and despite several sightings by the public and on CCTV.
From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026
The American figure skater was at her sport’s world championships, chasing a title that had eluded U.S. women for almost her entire lifetime.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 20, 2026
His greatest triumph was his 2017 expose of the "Enigma Network", involving cross-shareholdings in 50 listed companies, which had eluded regulators.
From Barron's ● Jan. 13, 2026
The Bruins composed themselves to sweep their regional and super regional to win something that had eluded them for more than a decade.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2025
Eventually, the county prosecutor decided to look again for the bullet that had eluded investigators during Anna’s autopsy.
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
