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.

They together avoid $37,000 in federal tax, assuming they are in the top income tax bracket.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

This tentative deal is a promising signal that the Writers Guild could avoid a strike after 2023’s historic work stoppage that lasted 148 days.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

They only lead on goal difference and will cede top spot if Hearts, who had led since September, avoid defeat at bottom side Livingston on Sunday.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

They avoid anything official at all costs, anything that involves paperwork.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

One morning three women from Barracks 28 lingered inside a few minutes to avoid the cold.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

avoid

Example Sentences

Related Words