avoidance

[uh-void-ns] / əˈvɔɪd ns /

NOUN

eluding; preventing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

evasion prevention restraint

STRONG

circumvention delay departure dodge dodging elusion escape escapism flight forbearance nonparticipation parry recession recoil retreat self-restraint shirking shunning

WEAK

absention eschewal passive resistance runaround steering clear of

Antonyms

STRONG

advance arrival coming continuation stay

WEAK

meeting

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 praised Powell’s avoidance of engaging in tit for tat with the president.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

For most people, moderation matters more than complete avoidance.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

"It punishes the wrong people and ignores real avoidance," the report stated.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Even small actions—a walk around the block, calling a friend, finishing a task—can interrupt cycles of avoidance and restore momentum.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

So much for her practiced avoidance of making friends she’d only have to leave.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

Vocabulary lists containing avoidance

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"Living Like Weasels," Vocabulary from the essay

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Free Period

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