1
as in evading
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery
trying to avoid writing thank-you notes for the gifts he didn't like
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in abolishing
to put an end to by formal action
asked the court to avoid the contract because it was signed under duress
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of avoiding
Hopper pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder on Wednesday, April 15, avoiding a trial that was set to start in July, per the court records.
—
Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
After avoiding a strike with a last-minute deal, the Los Angeles School District is turning to state officials for help funding its new contracts with the unions representing 70,000 of its workers.
—Tom Wait, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
These shoes also feature an open-toe design that lets your toes breathe without overcrowding and avoiding discomfort, pain, and blisters.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
By avoiding the systemic waste of overproduction, Ref’s rate of unsold or donated products is below 1 percent.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2026
That said, most other tankers are avoiding the strait for fear of being targeted by Iranian attacks.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
The bonus for Colorado of finishing first was avoiding a familiar Central Division foe in the first round.
—Dave Campbell, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026
Keep your neighbors happy by avoiding these front-yard faux pas that are definitely eyesores.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2026
Whatever his flaws, the president has been politically astute throughout his tenure, carefully avoiding the trap of letting the perfect be the enemy of good.
—Kelly Sloan, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
After avoiding a strike with a last-minute deal, the Los Angeles School District is turning to state officials for help funding its new contracts with the unions representing 70,000 of its workers.
—Tom Wait, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
These shoes also feature an open-toe design that lets your toes breathe without overcrowding and avoiding discomfort, pain, and blisters.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
By avoiding the systemic waste of overproduction, Ref’s rate of unsold or donated products is below 1 percent.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2026
That said, most other tankers are avoiding the strait for fear of being targeted by Iranian attacks.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
The bonus for Colorado of finishing first was avoiding a familiar Central Division foe in the first round.
—Dave Campbell, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026
Keep your neighbors happy by avoiding these front-yard faux pas that are definitely eyesores.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2026
Whatever his flaws, the president has been politically astute throughout his tenure, carefully avoiding the trap of letting the perfect be the enemy of good.
—Kelly Sloan, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avoiding
Verb
-
Police said Joshua Gonzalez surrendered Tuesday on a warrant charging him with evading arrest or detention in a motor vehicle.—
Matthew Ablon,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
What Happens Next For now, Neukgu remains somewhere in the mountains near Daejeon, evading thermal drones and traps.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The clock ran out on a bill aimed at moving Georgia to a new time zone, ending supporters’ hopes of abolishing the chore of changing the clocks twice per year.—
Caleb Groves,
AJC.com,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The National Women’s Soccer League announced a new CBA in the summer of 2024 that included giving players agency on where they are traded and abolishing expansion and collegiate drafts.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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About two hours’ drive from Dubai, places of great natural beauty such as Khor Fakkan and Hatta offer diving and hiking for those escaping the city.—
Mina Al-Oraibi,
Time,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Manufacturers are flocking to the country, escaping geopolitical uncertainty with a China +1 strategy.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While Washington’s policies drive prices up, our state has lowered costs where the state has jurisdiction — by repealing the grocery tax and capping child care expenses.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
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The four measures passed by nearly 2-to-1 ratios, with nearly 14,000 votes in favor of repealing each ordinance and approximately 7,500 votes to keep them.—
John Aguilar,
Denver Post,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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National security officials have long argued Section 702 is essential for preventing terrorist attacks.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The civil case began when the federal government alleged that Live Nation used its clout to engage in a variety of anticompetitive practices, including preventing venues from using multiple ticket sellers.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In response, schools are increasingly implementing accommodations such as noise-canceling headphones to help students better regulate sensory input and remain engaged in learning.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The president of the Chicago Principals & Administrators Association also expressed concerns with canceling classes that day.—
Froylan Jimenez,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Nosferatu actor has been masterfully dodging questions about the franchise since.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
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Wright is not the first attorney to accuse Brooks of dodging legal bills in a matter involving the Moore cousins.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In February 2025, a three-justice panel from California's 2nd District Court of Appeal ordered a retrial after overturning his conviction, citing concerns about a possible language barrier involving one of the jurors who found Heaps guilty.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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The cause of the boat overturning is being investigated and the number of passengers on board and how many are unaccounted for remains unclear, according to the AP.—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Avoiding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avoiding. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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