Synonyms of eschew

eschew

verb

e-ˈshü 

as in to avoid

to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery

the minister eschews involvement in local politics, since he doesn't want to diminish his moral authority in the community

Synonyms & Similar Words

• avoid
• evade
• escape
• shun
• elude
• shake
• prevent
• eliminate
• dodge
• deflect
• shirk
• shuffle (out of)
• scape
• steer clear of
• finesse
• obviate
• exclude
• keep clear of
• fight shy of
• preclude
• circumvent
• duck
• get around
• avert
• weasel (out of)
• stay clear of
• thwart
• miss
• divert
• ward (off)
• debar
• parry
• rule out
• ban
• except
• bypass
• outwit
• frustrate
• foil
• outsmart
• bar
• fox
• outfox
• overreach
• skirt

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• seek
• accept
• pursue
• embrace
• welcome
• catch
• incur
• court
• contract

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb eschew contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of eschew are avoid, elude, escape, evade, and shun. While all these words mean "to get away or keep away from something," eschew implies an avoiding or abstaining from as unwise or distasteful.

a playwright who eschews melodrama

Where would avoid be a reasonable alternative to eschew?

The meanings of avoid and eschew largely overlap; however, avoid stresses forethought and caution in keeping clear of danger or difficulty.

try to avoid past errors

When is elude a more appropriate choice than eschew?

The words elude and eschew are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, elude implies a slippery or baffling quality in the person or thing that escapes.

what she sees in him eludes me

When could escape be used to replace eschew?

While the synonyms escape and eschew are close in meaning, escape stresses the fact of getting away or being passed by not necessarily through effort or by conscious intent.

nothing escapes her sharp eyes

When is it sensible to use evade instead of eschew?

The words evade and eschew can be used in similar contexts, but evade implies adroitness, ingenuity, or lack of scruple in escaping or avoiding.

evaded the question by changing the subject

When would shun be a good substitute for eschew?

Although the words shun and eschew have much in common, shun often implies an avoiding as a matter of habitual practice or policy and may imply repugnance or abhorrence.

you have shunned your responsibilities

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of eschew

This was the largest number of Americans to eschew literature in three decades of the comprehensive study. — Jen Benka, Time, 14 July 2026

All that came in handy, especially after his decision to eschew a tuneup tournament for Wimbledon. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 12 July 2026

The biggest reason that Stevens, who has largely eschewed large campaign rallies and town halls, was able to weather the storm after the convention was AIPAC. — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 July 2026

Keef also knows his physical limitations, choosing to eschew a 2026 stadium tour for the band’s latest album, Foreign Tongues. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 8 July 2026

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