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.

He said the band's ability to avoid leaks ahead of the release of the two EPs was impressive.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Klymochko has told Barron’s that investors should avoid the private BDCs and focus on the deeply discounted public ones.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

She added that “I have stayed away from AI altogether in writing lately to avoid this exact scenario.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Participants may not always accurately report what they eat, and placebo effects are difficult to avoid since people know which diet they are following.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

I would have liked to avoid the general store—and seeing Rae Ellen again—but there was that sugar and those clothespins I’d promised to get.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

avoid

Example Sentences

Related Words