6
volatile(adjective, vague, mysterious, changeable, subtle)
5
illusory(adjective, mean, smooth, deception, cunning)
5
imponderable(adjective, vague, impulsive, unpredictable, mysterious)
5
transitory(adjective, vague, impulsive, unpredictable, mysterious)
4
baffling(adjective, mysterious, evasive)
4
cagey(adjective, mean, smooth, cunning, dubious)
4
dishonest(adjective, mean, smooth, smart, false)
4
faint(adjective, gentle, mild, subtle)
4
fraudulent(adjective, false, dishonest, deceitful, lying)
4
incomprehensible(adjective, mysterious, evasive)
4
indefinable(adjective, mysterious, evasive)
4
mysterious
4
phantom(adjective, vague, mysterious, subtle, demoniac)
3
artful(mean, smooth, cunning, knowing, sneaky)
3
cunning(adjective, mean, smooth, smart, deception)
3
delicate(adjective, gentle, mild, subtle)
3
delusive(mean, smooth, deception, cunning, knowing)
3
dodgy
3
furtive(adjective, mean, smooth, cunning, dubious)
3
nebulous(hazy, indistinct, indeterminate)
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APASmart Define. (2016). elusive thesaurus. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/elusive/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2016. "elusive thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/elusive/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 22, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2016, elusive thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 22 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/elusive/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "elusive thesaurus" 18 March 2016. Web. 22 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/elusive/thesaurus/synonyms>