Synonyms for

Avoid

Verb / ʌˈvɔɪd / Another word for avoid — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To stay away from or keep oneself from doing something

Synonyms & similar words

validate staveoff avert nullify invalidate obviate keepoff debar void quash fendoff annul forefend confront headoff forfend deflect wardoff evade shun escape dodge elude flee hide refrain abstain ignore sidestep circumvent prevent avert bypass skip overlook miss

Synonyms by register

Formal

shun eschew circumvent sidestep

Informal

steer clear of dodge duck give a wide berth to

Literary

elude flee from shun

Antonyms

confront face meet encounter approach seek embrace

Common collocations

  • avoid danger
  • avoid trouble
  • avoid contact
  • avoid eye contact
  • avoid responsibility
  • avoid the issue
  • avoid detection
  • avoid notice

Word family

noun avoidance
verb avoid
adjective avoidable
adverb avoidably

Usage note

Avoid is often used with 'the' before a noun, as in 'avoid the traffic'. It can also be used with gerunds, like 'avoid swimming'.

Example sentences

  1. I try to avoid eating too much candy.
  2. She wants to avoid getting sick.
  3. The teacher tells us to avoid talking during a test.
  4. I need to avoid the busy streets to get home faster.
  5. He tries to avoid conflict with his friends.

Quotes

  • “The only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing, and be nothing.” - Aristotle
  • “You can't avoid certain things - death and taxes.” - Roni Horn
  • “It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities.” - Josiah Stamp

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