Definitions

avoid

[uh-void] / əˈvɔɪd /

VERB

refrain or stay away from; prevent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

avert bypass dodge escape evade fend off shun sidestep ward off

STRONG

abstain circumvent deflect desist ditch divert duck elude eschew flee hide jump obviate recoil shake shirk shy skip skirt weave withdraw

WEAK

circumlocute cold-shoulder fake out give the slip hold off keep clear lay low run for cover shake and bake shake off shrink from shuffle off skip out on skip town stay away stay out steer clear of step aside turn aside

Antonyms

STRONGEST

face meet

STRONG

allow help permit stay take on

WEAK

seek want

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Avoid becoming overly attached to your current holdings simply because they have performed well historically.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Avoid defeat and Hearts will be champions of Scotland for the first time since 1960.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Avoid the hassle of baking strawberry shortcake and celebrate with a strawberry shortcake tiramisu, instead.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

“Avoid fast cars and motorcycles. Avoid countries with active war,” one of the booklets read.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

Avoid leaving the cottage while the four realms surge with unspeakable power.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Vocabulary lists containing avoid

"Brothers in Hope"

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"Do Family Meals Matter?" and "Fish Cheeks"

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Workshop 5, Part 1

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