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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.

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

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Bird felt it was critical that her children learn what she hadn’t known about money and avoid the same traps she had fallen into.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

"I get to avoid the rush hour and being packed in like a sardine," says the 23-year-old in Salford, Greater Manchester.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

This appeared to be an attempt by the ships to avoid being targeted by Iran.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The second was to avoid Howard, Freddy, and Mary Lou.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.