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.

Some physicians expressed concerns about the need to protect patient trust, avoid coercion and prevent preferential treatment for wealthy donors.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 2, 2026

U.S. universities say they strive to avoid a rush to judgment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026

Rebecca Wilcox reveals the tricks some companies use to avoid paying up, from giving you the runaround to making the process so complicated you give up.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026

Its leaders have tried to avoid openly escalating the conflict, framing leftist gains as local phenomena.

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

I was trying to be kind and help him avoid going in the hospital!

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

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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