Synonyms for

Shun

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

Definition

to avoid or reject someone or something

Synonyms & similar words

blackball castout ban ostracize ostracise banish eschew avoid evade elude dodge escape flee reject disregard ignore spurn snub repel

Synonyms by register

Formal

ostracize exclude reject eschew

Informal

avoid steer clear of give the cold shoulder cut dead

Literary

forswear renounce abjure

Antonyms

welcome embrace accept include associate entertain receive

Common collocations

  • shunned by society
  • shunned all contact
  • shunned the spotlight
  • shunned him completely
  • shunned all forms of
  • shunned the company of
  • shunned the limelight

Word family

noun shunning
verb shun

Usage note

Shun implies a deliberate and often prolonged avoidance of someone or something. It carries a stronger sense of rejection than simply avoiding.

Example sentences

  1. He decided to shun the bullies at school and find new friends.
  2. She shuns fast food because it's not healthy.
  3. The cat will shun any food that is not fresh.
  4. The company decided to shun any business deals with unethical partners.
  5. He shuns the limelight and prefers to stay out of the public eye.

Quotes

  • I shun father and mother and wife and brother when my genius calls me.
  • We often shun the light when it shines on us, but seek it out in adversity.
  • The worst solitude is to be destitute of sincere friendship.

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