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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.

"People need an Easter free from threats and real progress toward peace, and Russia has a chance to avoid returning to hostilities after Easter," he added.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Ships that are allowed to pass through the strait sail a corridor between Iran’s Qeshm and Larak islands; some reports say that’s to avoid mines placed in the water by Iran.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Teachers tend to avoid the topic of faith.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Hobbs’ administration is taking these steps “to avoid staggering fines of hundreds of millions of dollars that would further endanger food assistance for vulnerable Arizonans,” Soto said in a statement.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

I stay quiet, even when I want to ask a question, because I want to avoid calling attention to myself.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy