Search

having reference to something implied or inferred; containing, abounding in, or characterized by .
Obsolete. metaphorical; symbolic; figurative.
Contemporary Examples

This is about as explicit as 1Q84 ever gets, and even here the sense of things is allusive.
Murakami’s Dreamy Return Malcolm Jones November 3, 2011

Historical Examples

This follows from the allusive way in which he and his wife are introduced—there must be a background to allusions.
Beowulf R. W. Chambers

Some, as Austria, instead of one Eagle, adopt two as their allusive emblazonry.
Reptiles and Birds Louis Figuier

They both signify the same thing; both are allusive to a purification of life.
The Symbolism of Freemasonry Albert G. Mackey

When Austin explained Viviette’s meaning to his mother, who had not an allusive habit of mind, she acquiesced placidly.
Viviette William J. Locke

It was allusive and allegorical to a high degree, and now, but for the commentary, much of it would be quite unintelligible.
A History of Chinese Literature Herbert A. Giles

It was allusive only, but knowing the dialect, Pierston and Marcia gathered its import easily.
The Well-Beloved Thomas Hardy

It is divided into narrative, representative, and allusive or parabolical poetry.
The Worlds Greatest Books, Volume XIII. Various

The old sacred name Yahweh is never pronounced; even “God” is avoided for allusive titles like “heaven” or “place.”
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 2 Various

Henry James, Senior, dealt with such things in the most allusive and paradoxical terms.
The Letters of William James, Vol. 1 William James

adjective
containing or full of allusions
adj.

c.1600, from Latin allus-, past participle stem of alludere (see allude) + -ive. Related: Allusively; allusiveness.