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Showing results for avoid. Search instead for avoir.
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.

Rovers are also built to conserve energy and avoid hazards, so they move slowly across rough terrain.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

There was a desire to set a precedent and avoid perceptions that Fernandez, one of the squad's senior figures, had received preferential treatment.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Neutrality makes economic sense for Pakistan, which relies on oil and gas imports through the Strait of Hormuz and wants to avoid getting dragged into further conflict on its doorstep.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The “last line of defense” is shooting down drones, but the goal is to avoid ending up in that situation to begin with, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Clare ducked forward, threading his way through the lanterns, stepping carefully over the whirlpools—which he inexplicably felt he should avoid.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman