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stay away

phrasal verb

stayed away; staying away; stays away
: to not go near someone or something : avoid
I know I shouldn't go there, but it's hard to stay away.
usually + from
Stay away from my girlfriend!
He usually stays away from large crowds.
I try to stay away from caffeine.

Examples of stay away in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Anyone with unresolved anger issues should stay away from this hefty crystal apple, which could moonlight as a wrecking ball ($50). Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025 Advisories to stay away from windows and seek shelter emphasize the potential for injury from flying debris or hail impacts during such events. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025 Prince Mohammed, 40, who has stayed away from the West after the Khashoggi killing, is also looking to reestablish his position as a global player and a leader determined to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil by investing in sectors like mining, technology and tourism. Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 18 Nov. 2025 Marshall suggests staying away from commercial degreasers such TSP (trisodium phosphate), other chemical bathroom cleaners, ammonia, or bleach. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stay away

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Cite this Entry

“Stay away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stay%20away. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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