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Definition of illusive

illusive

/ɪˈluː.sɪv/
il · lu · sive
Adverb:illusively
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illusive Lexical Profile

illusive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Based on or producing an illusion; deceptive, unreal, or misleading.

Example

"The desert travelers were misled by the illusive shimmer of water on the horizon."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for illusive
Antonyms
View all antonyms for illusive

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with 'elusive' (meaning difficult to find, catch, or achieve) and 'allusive' (meaning containing indirect references); 'illusive' specifically means deceptive or based on an illusion, just like 'illusory'.

• Rhymes for illusive

• Nearby Words

illusional
illusionary
illusionist
illusive
illusively
illusiveness
illusory

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Medieval Latin illusivus, derived from Latin illudere ('to mock at' or 'to play with'), from in- ('against') and ludere ('to play').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Illusive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/illusive
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