1
as in avoids
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in neglects
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 lurks
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shirks
Nick, desperate to return to the present, shirks the doting parents and brother who long to comfort him.
—
Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shirks
Verb
-
The design here avoids ski-lodge clichés but maintains splendid common areas, including a cozy library and a grand lobby decorated with stone and wood finishes and splashes of rich red and orange hues.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Furthermore, the robot avoids the inevitable performance decay seen in technologies such as solar panels or nuclear generators, ensuring a longer operational lifespan in the field.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But that lower average neglects the fact that fire private IIs have a higher floor salary, at $65,300, and drivers make more than the PII ceiling within the police department, at $79,000.—
Lucas Finton,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Like many others in his community, Awad believes the Israeli government intentionally neglects crime perpetrated against Palestinian citizens.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When a strange man lurks around the school asking supposedly innocent questions and the principal receives a severed human finger in the mail, the community is in an uproar.—
Lexy Perez,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Binary neutron stars have long been considered the best bet for deciphering what lurks within.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The result is contrasting, suited for a composition that evades singular meaning.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But some sunlight still sneaks through Earth’s atmosphere, bends around the planet and lands on the moon.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
3 Mar. 2026
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Benedict is still all in with love, convincingly enough that Sophie sneaks back to her room, glowing and grinning, with the drawing of Our Cottage clutched in her hands.—
Christina Grace Tucker,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
These luxury Appalachian escapes pair low-impact lighting, stargazing, and mountain activities like horseback riding and hiking.—
Megan Eaves,
Outside,
16 Mar. 2026
-
From luxury and adults-only escapes to ships packed with onboard adventures and kids’ clubs, there’s truly a cruise—and a cruise line—for everyone.—
Southern Living Editors,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Then comes the savory hoisin-soy sauce that slips into every little crevice.—
Maggie Meyer Glisan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Mar. 2026
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Amenities include lush landscaped areas, pools, spas, lounging areas, a pavilion and 14 private boat slips.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Anne slinks off with her husband.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Route 128 slinks through the folds of Anderson Valley like a slow river, past vineyards clinging to hillsides and orchards heavy with apple blossoms come spring.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shirks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shirks. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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