NYT Dictionary

ELUDE

/ɪˈljuːd/
Verbe-LUDEe-lude · 2 syllablesGrade 12

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

To evade or escape from (someone or something), especially by using cunning or skill.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

From Latin ēlūdō (“to evade, elude”), from ē- (“out of”, short form of ex-) + lūdō (“to play; to trick”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 14 recorded puzzles:

+2 earlier appearances in the archive.

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.