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.

Varvara, who asked for her name to be changed, managed to avoid being caught in a massive crackdown on street protestors.

From Barron's

The sheer number of shadow tankers and the means they have to avoid detection are among the difficulties.

From The Wall Street Journal

Dortmund halved Leipzig's lead five minutes after half-time when a low-flying Julian Ryerson corner rebounded to home striker Romulo, who tried to avoid the ball but headed into his own net.

From Barron's

Dodge thought she had avoided any repeats when she settled on some cologne from Abercrombie & Fitch for her son.

From The Wall Street Journal

Officers are asking the public to avoid the Lord Lurgan Park area while follow up enquiries continue.

From BBC

avoid

Example Sentences

Related Words