AVOIDS Synonyms: 131 Similar and Opposite Words

avoids

verb

present tense third-person singular of avoid

as in evades

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in abolishes

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

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.

Recent Examples of avoids The city has spent beyond sustainable levels, and pausing reserves avoids the structural fixes needed. —

Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 But the better course might be to allow the state to go back to a single, simple plate design — one that avoids the fiscal entanglements and ideological biases of the current program. —

Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026 Who knew that such daring would lead to a film that avoids these inclinations entirely, especially one that could have so easily leaned into controversial territory? —

David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026 Former Michigan coach Sherrone Moore avoids jail time after pleading no contest to misdemeanors related to an incident at a staffer’s home. —

Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026 Fatou has lost her teeth, experiences arthritis and hearing loss and generally avoids interaction with other gorillas. —

Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026 More importantly, this budget avoids the core problems. —

Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026 Pope Leo 60 Minutes Leo usually avoids calling out the president or any member of his administration by name. —

Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026 Even someone like me, who avoids intense adventure travel but loves nature photography, can’t help but be struck by the landscapes. —

Rachel King, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for avoids

Verb

But even if Booker’s appearance evades the FCC’s scrutiny, the commission is closely watching TV talk programs, with The View in particular a subject of interest.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Mar. 2026
But how does one set out to write a biography about the creation of an author who not only can’t be reached, but actively evades the spotlight?

— Costa Beavin Pappas, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026