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 Word Forms

• 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

Henry will brook no defiance, no matter how allusive, and so Cromwell must die under the shadow of an axe.

From Salon

The allusive, charged opening sequence alone would qualify as a devastating short film on the subject.

From Los Angeles Times

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

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