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.

These ploys can be convincing because they involve a lot of genuine information and avoid many of the red flags we’re used to looking for, writes Callum Borchers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

This approach provides regular access to your cash and helps avoid the early-withdrawal penalties you would get with CDs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

To avoid a crash, the lead aircraft tried to rapidly descend.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

But they haven’t beaten the Avalanche anywhere this season and if they have to at least once in the next two games to avoid their seventh straight first-round playoff exit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

My efforts to avoid humiliation seemed to be wasted.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

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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