1
as in to avoid
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery
you always try to shirk paying your fair share of the bill by claiming you "forgot" your wallet
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to neglect
to leave undone or unattended to especially through carelessness
a deadbeat who has been shirking his duty to his family for years
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to lurk
to move about in a sly or secret manner
given the multitude of auditoriums at the multiplex, it's not too difficult for underaged kids to shirk into R-rated movies
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shirk
Though redeveloping Villa Park’s North Stand was shelved in late 2023, Villa have not shirked infrastructure investment under Sawiris and Edens.
—
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
For those with aspirations to shirk the trend, there are real advantages to keeping things in the family—most of them stemming from a commitment to longevity that precipitates deeper investments in technology and people.
—Ethan Karp, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
The ultimate responsibility lies with his enablers: Republican senators who shirked their duty and voted to confirm Cabinet nominees who are outrageously unqualified.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
MacKinnon is one player who hasn’t shirked his enthusiasm for this event.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shirk
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
For those with aspirations to shirk the trend, there are real advantages to keeping things in the family—most of them stemming from a commitment to longevity that precipitates deeper investments in technology and people.
—Ethan Karp, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
The ultimate responsibility lies with his enablers: Republican senators who shirked their duty and voted to confirm Cabinet nominees who are outrageously unqualified.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
MacKinnon is one player who hasn’t shirked his enthusiasm for this event.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shirk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shirk
Verb
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Make sure to maintain an upright torso and avoid leaning forward or backward.—
Laura Schober,
Health,
13 May 2025
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The absence of ducts avoids renovation costs and minimizes construction inconvenience.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
Verb
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The new permit contains more lax regulations, neglects to address more than 20 toxic chemicals and concerns about forever chemicals, Vallee said in a statement.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2025
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While some clients may issue a 1099 to a contractor, it’s not required in all situations, and some neglect to do so.—
Vlad Rusz,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Mars will appear in the constellation Cancer in the western sky, while Jupiter will lurk close to the horizon, setting just a few hours after the sun.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
13 May 2025
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Probably not as many as are lurking on your medicine cabinet shelves.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 May 2025
Verb
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The former prisoners who have continued to evade police for nearly a week include Leo Tate, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Lenton Vanburen and Antoine Massey, according to USA Today, while Corey Boyd, Gary Price, Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis have been re-arrested.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
22 May 2025
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Penguin Press, June 17 Image El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott After skipping town to evade a nagging creditor in 2008, Harper returns to her Detroit suburb months later to find her two older sisters, once in the throes of debt, sporting fresh highlights and driving a Lexus.—
Laura Thompson,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Just don’t forget to click the coupon for extra savings.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
23 May 2025
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Don’t forget about your smartwatch, fitness tracker, or smart ring.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
23 May 2025
Verb
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On Tuesday, Leo sneaked into the headquarters of his Augustinian order right off St. Peter’s Square.—
Mitra Taj,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
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For her first single after that triumph to only just sneak onto the Country Airplay ranking — and in last place — indicates a substantial and sustained promotional push behind the scenes.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Also, take some time to examine the perimeter of your yard to ensure any gates and fences are secure and don’t have any gaps through which your pup can easily escape.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Tens of thousands of Afghans pursued the special immigration process and escaped with the exit of U.S. forces, fearing retaliation up to death with the return of Taliban rule.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
22 May 2025
Verb
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The latest approval ratings for Ishiba’s cabinet slipped to 27.4%, a record low, according to a poll by Japanese news agency Kyodo released on Sunday.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
21 May 2025
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Shares of Lockheed have slipped nearly 3% so far in 2025.—
Brian Evans,
CNBC,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shirk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shirk. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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