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.

He said he doesn’t want to name the exact locations yet to avoid tipping off officials who might try to stop them.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Apple has managed to avoid both so far.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Mercedes - for one - had instructed their drivers to go wide on the pit-lane entry to avoid this risk.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

“Please allow extra time to get to the game and avoid the area around MSG if you don’t have a reason to be there.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

I’ve seen her around at school a couple of times lately, but always spotted her before she’s noticed me, and nowadays I just do an immediate swerve to avoid her.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Vocabulary lists containing avoid

"Brothers in Hope"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Do Family Meals Matter?" and "Fish Cheeks"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Workshop 5, Part 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!