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.

Laura explains why the number of CCJs has increased, what your options are if you receive one, and advice on how to avoid an unpaid debt becoming a court case.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

These road trip tips can help you avoid breakdowns, manage gas costs, and stay safer during the start of the summer travel season.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

Explaining his sentencing decision at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday, Judge Nicholas Rowland said he would avoid "criminalising" the boys, telling them: "None of you need to go to prison today."

From BBC • May 22, 2026

“A whale desk will protect these magnificent creatures and help mariners avoid costly, harrowing collisions. Together, let’s Save Willy.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

To avoid panic, some state officials insisted cholera wasn’t contagious.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

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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