allusive

[ uh-loo-siv ]

adjective

1. having reference to something implied or inferred; containing, abounding in, or characterized by allusions.
2. Obsolete. metaphorical; symbolic; figurative.

allusive

/ əˈluːsɪv /

adjective

1. containing or full of allusions

Derived Forms

• alˈlusiveness, noun
• alˈlusively, adverb

Other Words From

• al·lusive·ly adverb
• al·lusive·ness noun
• unal·lusive adjective
• unal·lusive·ly adverb
• unal·lusive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of allusive¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; allus(ion) + -ive

Example Sentences

It is left to directors to determine the size of the cast and to divide up Jelinek’s finely chiseled writing, which is by turns poetic, punning, allusive and philosophical.

From New York Times

Hovsepian, who was born in Isfahan, Iran, and grew up in Toledo, Ohio, makes allusive, shadowy photographs and assemblages that are in the permanent collections of New York’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.

From New York Times

Some scholars have compared “Macunaíma” to James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” another totemic modernist novel from the 1920s whose allusive, wide-ranging play with language is as central to its identity as its plot.

From New York Times

Some scholars have compared “Macunaíma” to James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” another totemic modernist novel from the 1920s whose allusive, wide-ranging play with language is as central to its identity as its plot.

From New York Times

All of his best work is allusive, steeped in research and context, materially creative, humane.

From New York Times