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.

“The Hill” is rooted in autobiography, but I would encourage readers to avoid learning about the author until finishing the novel, as Ms. Clark intends it to fly or fall on its literary merits.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

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

They began the elimination leg in last place, meaning they had to get a move on to avoid being sent home at the halfway point of the journey.

From BBC • May 21, 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

“I don’t do it when I can avoid it.”

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

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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