1. the quality of containing indirect references or hints to other works, ideas, or events
Usage: literary criticism; formal

Examples

• The poem’s allusiveness made it difficult for students to understand without extensive footnotes.
• Critics praised the novel’s subtle allusiveness to classical mythology.
• The author’s allusiveness requires readers to have broad cultural knowledge.
• The painting’s allusiveness to Renaissance masters was immediately apparent to art historians.
• Her speech was marked by an allusiveness that left many listeners confused.
• The allusiveness of modern poetry often challenges casual readers.