Synonym Chooser

How does the verb evade contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of evade are avoid, elude, escape, eschew, and shun. While all these words mean "to get away or keep away from something," evade implies adroitness, ingenuity, or lack of scruple in escaping or avoiding.

evaded the question by changing the subject

When would avoid be a good substitute for evade?

While the synonyms avoid and evade are close in meaning, avoid stresses forethought and caution in keeping clear of danger or difficulty.

try to avoid past errors

When is it sensible to use elude instead of evade?

In some situations, the words elude and evade are roughly equivalent. However, elude implies a slippery or baffling quality in the person or thing that escapes.

what she sees in him eludes me

In what contexts can escape take the place of evade?

The meanings of escape and evade largely overlap; however, 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 could eschew be used to replace evade?

While in some cases nearly identical to evade, eschew implies an avoiding or abstaining from as unwise or distasteful.

a playwright who eschews melodrama

When can shun be used instead of evade?

The words shun and evade are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

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 evade Plus, the coronavirus is constantly mutating, producing new versions that have been able to evade immune protection from vaccination or previous infection. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 24 July 2025 The counts are vehicular manslaughter; evading police and causing death or injury; and intoxicated driving causing death or great injury. Gary Klien, Mercury News, 21 July 2025 Cromartie also took a plea deal for charges including strangulation, third degree assault of a police officer, first degree wanton endangerment, disarming a peace officer, fleeing or evading police, resisting arrest and violation of a foreign protective order, according to court records. Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 18 July 2025 The first suspect, a 47-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, evading a police officer, conspiring to commit a crime, vehicle hit and run, parole violations and resisting arrest, according to a press release from the Redwood City Police Department. Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for evade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evade
Verb
  • Close the blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows to block the sun's rays and avoid unwanted heat.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • After all, avoiding some topics or questions altogether could be perceived as a political response, said Mark Riedl, a professor of computing at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The presumption that refugees move over borders for just a few weeks to escape some crisis then quickly return home is pollyannaish.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 1 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Evade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evade. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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