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.

In the meantime, he’s trying to avoid thinking about the Grammys in February — though everyone, including myself, is making it impossible for him not to.

From Los Angeles Times

It added it often sees “instances of groups or individuals taking on new tactics to avoid detection and evade our policies and enforcement.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Some sanctioned tankers have already turned around to avoid the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

As Nancy spoke, it was hard to avoid wincing and wincing and wincing again.

From BBC

"Speaking to neighbours in advance or using a timer to switch lights off at unsociable hours can help avoid problems," lawyer Denise Nurse told the BBC's Morning Live.

From BBC

avoid

Example Sentences

Related Words