as in avoided
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery
just a ruse to shun the debt collectors
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Recent Examples of shunned
Netanyahu once shunned long wars and ground operations, aware of the cost and political capital that resulted in indecisive conclusions or stalemates.
—
Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Mace, alongside a screenshot of a 2022 tweet from Omar expressing that the First Amendment does not protect people from consequences like being shamed or shunned for speech.
—The Hill Staff, The Hill, 17 Sep. 2025
It may have been shunned by Bridgerton, but Cheltenham is well worth a visit, not only for its period architecture and dreamy parks but for its independent spirit and lively event calendar.
—Vicky Smith, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Before Mexico forced cargo airlines to start using Felipe Angeles in 2022, all the major international airlines had shunned the airport that is so far from the center of Mexico City that is can take 2 1/2 hours to drive to the terminal.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
Mall shoppers favored familiar names over an unknown Japanese brand that shunned logos, ignored trends, and rarely marked down prices.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Once shunned by investors who were drawn to an environmental, social and governance lens, defense assets have surged in popularity in light of geopolitical turmoil and pledges by Germany and other European Union members to ramp up defense spending.
—Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
The leaders of North Korea, China and Russia met in a show of solidarity by nations shunned by the West over their role in Russia’s war against Ukraine, Europe’s worst conflict in 80 years.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
The Migos rapper shunned the idea of ever getting married again following his split from Cardi B last year.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2025
Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Mace, alongside a screenshot of a 2022 tweet from Omar expressing that the First Amendment does not protect people from consequences like being shamed or shunned for speech.
—The Hill Staff, The Hill, 17 Sep. 2025
It may have been shunned by Bridgerton, but Cheltenham is well worth a visit, not only for its period architecture and dreamy parks but for its independent spirit and lively event calendar.
—Vicky Smith, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Before Mexico forced cargo airlines to start using Felipe Angeles in 2022, all the major international airlines had shunned the airport that is so far from the center of Mexico City that is can take 2 1/2 hours to drive to the terminal.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
Mall shoppers favored familiar names over an unknown Japanese brand that shunned logos, ignored trends, and rarely marked down prices.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Once shunned by investors who were drawn to an environmental, social and governance lens, defense assets have surged in popularity in light of geopolitical turmoil and pledges by Germany and other European Union members to ramp up defense spending.
—Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
The leaders of North Korea, China and Russia met in a show of solidarity by nations shunned by the West over their role in Russia’s war against Ukraine, Europe’s worst conflict in 80 years.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
The Migos rapper shunned the idea of ever getting married again following his split from Cardi B last year.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shunned
Verb
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The former congresswoman insisted a shutdown must be avoided.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
30 Sep. 2025
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The early suggestions were that Newcastle were hopeful Livramento had avoided an ACL injury, though the 22-year-old is still expected to be sidelined for a potentially lengthy period.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Hauge skillfully evaded Porro for both of his goals.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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Frank evaded questions about whether Robertson has ever asked for extra benefits that are not allowed under the NBA salary cap.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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So the manager went back to Whitlock for a second inning of work in the eighth and Whitlock nearly escaped before running out of steam.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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Staff said the python likely escaped its home and asked for help finding the snake’s owner.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shunned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shunned. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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