Synonyms for

Avoided

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

Definition

To stay away from something or someone, or not do something

Synonyms & similar words

avert debar annul avoid nullify keepoff void staveoff headoff forfend validate obviate forefend wardoff invalidate quash fendoff confront deflect evaded escaped shunned forsaken sidestepped eluded dodged circumvented ignored bypassed ducked

Synonyms by register

Formal

eschewed shunned circumvented eluded

Informal

dodged ducked sidestepped skipped

Literary

fled shied forewent

Antonyms

faced confronted met approached engaged encountered accepted

Common collocations

  • avoided the issue
  • avoided contact
  • avoided detection
  • avoided responsibility
  • avoided a crisis
  • avoided injury
  • avoided the topic

Word family

noun avoidance
verb avoid
adjective avoidable
adverb avoidably

Usage note

While 'avoid' generally means to keep away from, it can also imply successfully preventing something from happening. Be mindful of context to distinguish between actively steering clear of something and passively preventing an outcome.

Example sentences

  1. I avoided the scary movie because I didn't want to have nightmares.
  2. I avoided the dog because I was afraid it might bite me.
  3. He avoided answering the question because he didn't know the answer.
  4. She avoided eating the spicy food because it was too hot for her.
  5. The car driver avoided hitting the pedestrian by braking quickly.

Quotes

  • The only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. - Aristotle
  • The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. - Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying. - Michael Jordan

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