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 argument for higher rates is to avoid higher inflation becoming embedded in consumer and business expectations.

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

"Their number one priority is to stay alive and to avoid capture," Jennifer Kavanagh, a senior fellow and the director of military analysis at think tank Defense Priorities, told the BBC.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

The former official asked not to be named to avoid a public debate with the industry.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 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

avoid

Example Sentences

Related Words