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.

Diogo Mónica, who has amassed sizable positions in a number of startups over his career, set up a plan to avoid rash decisions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

One encouraging sign for the deal is that Paramount apparently wants to avoid a legal challenge at the state level.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Three main workarounds have helped energy markets avoid deeper problems from a pricing perspective.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

“We encourage homeowners to make partial payments whenever possible to avoid a balloon payment on June 30, 2030,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

It would be wise to avoid extreme agitation while raising the dragon.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

Vocabulary lists containing avoid

"Brothers in Hope"

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

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Workshop 5, Part 1

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