as in escape
the act or a means of getting or keeping away from something undesirable
this shunning of your financial responsibilities cannot continue indefinitely
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in avoiding
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery
just a ruse to shun the debt collectors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of shunning
Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 Dec. 2025
In 1977, a measles epidemic that killed two children in Los Angeles County spurred a dramatic crackdown on vaccine-shunning across the country.
—Arthur Allen, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
In 1977, a measles epidemic that killed two children in Los Angeles County spurred a dramatic crackdown on vaccine-shunning across the country.
—Arthur Allen, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Traders are shunning debt as oil extends its surge past $100, triggering broad panic in Asia over commodity import costs.
—Bloomberg News, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
The only short-term answers are shaming, shunning, and mockery—and punishment at the polls.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2026
Over the decades the classic ski look has been complimented by Norwegian sweaters, glare-shunning sunglasses and furry boots.
—David G. Allan Feb 15, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
At the same time, new advocacy groups like The Jewish Majority and the Movement Against Antizionism have called for shunning those expressing anti-Zionist or anti-Israel sentiment from Judaism’s big tent.
—Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
And a whole succession of leaders from countries that are nominally still American allies — Britain, Germany, South Korea — are wooing rather than shunning Beijing to deepen economic cooperation.
—Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2026
In fact, a number of Atlanta’s suburbs are shunning the drivable strip malls of yesteryear in favor of live-work-play districts such as Alpharetta’s Avalon.
—Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Goff said the decision was not based on concerns that air travelers were shunning Avelo because of its involvement in deportations.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
The concept, in its original form, described a tendency on the political left to react to minor ideological or linguistic offenses by demanding firings or social shunning, demands often reinforced by outraged social-media mobs.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 Dec. 2025
In 1977, a measles epidemic that killed two children in Los Angeles County spurred a dramatic crackdown on vaccine-shunning across the country.
—Arthur Allen, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
In 1977, a measles epidemic that killed two children in Los Angeles County spurred a dramatic crackdown on vaccine-shunning across the country.
—Arthur Allen, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
Critics argue the policy change falls short, as members who accept donor blood in medical emergencies could face shunning from the faith community.
—Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Traders are shunning debt as oil extends its surge past $100, triggering broad panic in Asia over commodity import costs.
—Bloomberg News, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
The only short-term answers are shaming, shunning, and mockery—and punishment at the polls.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2026
Over the decades the classic ski look has been complimented by Norwegian sweaters, glare-shunning sunglasses and furry boots.
—David G. Allan Feb 15, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
At the same time, new advocacy groups like The Jewish Majority and the Movement Against Antizionism have called for shunning those expressing anti-Zionist or anti-Israel sentiment from Judaism’s big tent.
—Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
And a whole succession of leaders from countries that are nominally still American allies — Britain, Germany, South Korea — are wooing rather than shunning Beijing to deepen economic cooperation.
—Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2026
In fact, a number of Atlanta’s suburbs are shunning the drivable strip malls of yesteryear in favor of live-work-play districts such as Alpharetta’s Avalon.
—Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Goff said the decision was not based on concerns that air travelers were shunning Avelo because of its involvement in deportations.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shunning
Noun
-
April itself may feel too full for an extended escape, but don't overlook what's available close by.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
An excavator was used on Thursday to dig an escape channel after earlier unsuccessful efforts to coax the whale back toward deeper water, including using coast guard and fire department boats to create large waves.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Heat’s chances of avoiding the NBA’s play-in tournament are now very slim.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The loss was Orlando’s eighth in the past 10 games as the team continues to trend the opposite direction of avoiding the Play-In Tournament.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Now a quarter century into a career largely characterized by mystique and a seeming avoidance of the public eye, Atobe has spent the better part of the 2020s slowly opening up, with some bemusement.—
Maxie Younger,
Pitchfork,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The models listed by the IIHS all include accident avoidance and mitigation features that can keep drivers and occupants safe.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
According to Basketball Reference’s playoff probabilities report, the Heat entered Wednesday with just a 9 percent chance of evading the play-in tourney.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Eric Lampkin-Scarborough, 19, was arrested for insufficient bonds related to a felony weapon charge and a misdemeanor evading arrest charge.—
Briauna Brown,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
He was convicted of tax evasion in January 2006.—
Jack Perry,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Years of fare evasion and the fare forgiveness program encouraged nonpayment, leaving lasting financial issues.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Rear doors on police cars typically only open from the outside to prevent arrestees from escaping.—
Nicole Comstock,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
But Sasaki locked in to strike out José Ramírez and induce Kyle Manzardo to line out, escaping without further damage.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shunning. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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