avoid
23 synonyms and 6 antonyms for avoid, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To keep away from someone or something, especially something unwanted or harmful.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use avoid
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman avoider, from Old French esvuidier, "to empty out" — from es- + vuidier, related to Latin vacuus, "empty".
Full origin of avoid →Frequently asked questions
What does “avoid” mean?
The word “avoid” means to keep away from someone or something, especially something unwanted or harmful. In plain terms, to stay away from something, or stop it from happening.
How do you pronounce “avoid”?
“Avoid” is pronounced uh-VOYD (/əˈvɔɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “avoid” in a sentence?
Here is “avoid” used in a sentence: “He crossed the street to avoid his ex.”
What is another word for “avoid”?
Words with a similar meaning to “avoid” include abjure, avert, stave off, dodge, duck and help.
What is the opposite of “avoid”?
The opposite of “avoid” — its antonyms — are come to grips with, confront, deal with, engage and get to grips with.
What part of speech is “avoid”?
“Avoid” is a verb.
Where does the word “avoid” come from?
The word “avoid” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman avoider, from Old French esvuidier, "to empty out" — from es- + vuidier, related to Latin vacuus, "empty".
Is “avoid” a common word?
“Avoid” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'avoid' and 'prevent'?
To avoid something is to keep yourself away from it — 'avoid the busy road.' To prevent something is to stop it from happening at all — 'prevent an accident.' Avoiding protects you by staying clear; preventing stops the event itself, often for everyone involved.
What is the difference between 'avoid' and 'evade'?
Both mean keeping away from something, but 'evade' suggests doing so cleverly or deliberately, often to escape a duty or a pursuer — 'evade capture,' 'evade taxes.' 'Avoid' is neutral and everyday, simply meaning to stay clear of something unwanted, with no hint of trickery.
What is the opposite of 'avoid'?
The opposite of avoid is to face or confront something directly instead of keeping away from it. Depending on context, antonyms include 'face,' 'confront,' 'seek,' 'approach,' and 'embrace.' Where avoid means dodging a problem, its opposite means meeting it head-on.