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.

Visitors should avoid ocean water and any wet sand for at least three quarters of a mile upstream or downstream from the beach, the county public health department said in a release.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a discussion any responsible CBS management would find worth avoiding.

From The Wall Street Journal

Individuals may feel pulled toward certain sights or sounds or strongly driven to avoid them, even when doing so leads to poor outcomes.

From Science Daily

Part of Brimscombe Hill is closed and people are being asked to avoid the area.

From BBC

Houston thrives when it shortens the field and avoids asking the offense to sustain long drives.

From Los Angeles Times

avoid

Example Sentences

Related Words