Synonyms for

Avoiding

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

Definition

to keep away from or prevent from happening

Synonyms & similar words

quash invalidate staveoff forfend annul wardoff forefend nullify avert obviate avoid headoff fendoff void debar keepoff validate confront deflect evade dodge shun escape elude flee deter prevent bypass circumvent sidestep abstain refrain reject eschew

Synonyms by register

Formal

shun eschew circumvent elude

Informal

dodge steer clear of keep away from duck

Literary

flee shun evade

Antonyms

confront face meet engage approach seek embrace accept

Common collocations

  • avoiding eye contact
  • avoiding the issue
  • avoiding trouble
  • avoiding detection
  • avoiding responsibility
  • avoiding conflict
  • avoiding a mistake

Word family

noun avoidance
verb avoid
adjective avoidable
adverb avoidably

Usage note

The word 'avoiding' implies actively trying not to encounter or experience something. It can range from a simple preference to a deliberate effort to escape.

Example sentences

  1. I am avoiding the bees so they don't sting me.
  2. I am avoiding the homework so I can play outside.
  3. I am avoiding the spicy food because it hurts my tummy.
  4. I am avoiding the scary movie because it gives me nightmares.
  5. I am avoiding the barking dog because it scares me.

Quotes

  • Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold. - Helen Keller
  • The only way of avoiding the plague is to flee from it. - Daniel Defoe
  • The only way of avoiding the horror of the Holocaust is to look it straight in the face... - Simon Wiesenthal

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