avoided; avoiding; avoids
1
a
: to keep away from : shun
They have been avoiding me.
b
: to prevent the occurrence or effectiveness of
avoid further delays
c
: to refrain from
avoid overeating
2
law
: to make legally void (see void entry 1 sense 1a) : annul
avoid a plea
3
archaic
: to depart or withdraw from : leave
Synonyms
Examples of avoid in a Sentence
Why do you keep avoiding me?
She took a detour to avoid the heavy traffic.
They successfully avoided each other for days.
He tried hard to avoid accidents.
We need to avoid further delays.
He was caught trying to avoid arrest.
in an effort to avoid confusion
I'm not going to be late if I can avoid it.
How can I avoid paying too much tax?
I am trying to avoid showing any hint of favoritism.
Recent Examples on the Web
These things make Istanbul a great place to get high-quality hair transplants at low prices, but patients need to be careful to avoid secret risks.
—
Ethan Stone, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024
Per prosecutors, Diddy used three-way calls and other inmates’ phone codes to avoid scrutiny.
—Justin Curto, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
To avoid being dragged into yet more conflict in the Middle East, the United States must work to restrain further Israeli action and stabilize the balance of power.
—Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
But the only surefire way to avoid sickness from airplane food is not to eat it.
—Justin Klawans, theweek, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for avoid 
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Ethan Stone, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024
Per prosecutors, Diddy used three-way calls and other inmates’ phone codes to avoid scrutiny.
—Justin Curto, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
To avoid being dragged into yet more conflict in the Middle East, the United States must work to restrain further Israeli action and stabilize the balance of power.
—Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
But the only surefire way to avoid sickness from airplane food is not to eat it.
—Justin Klawans, theweek, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for avoid
Dictionary Entries Near avoid
Cite this Entry
“Avoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avoid. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
avoid
transitive verb1
: to make void or undo : annul
the trustee may avoid any transfer of interest of the debtor in property—U.S. Code
U.S. Code2
: to respond to (an allegation or averment) by declaring that facts alleged do not result in liability
averments in a pleading to which no responsive pleading is required or permitted shall be taken as denied or avoided—U.S. Code
see also confession and avoidance compare deny
U.S. Code3
: to prevent the occurrence of or responsibility for especially through lawful means
avoid a tax
compare evade
avoidability
noun
avoidable
adjective
avoidance
noun
Etymology
modification of Old French esvuider to destroy, literally, to empty, from es- out + vuider to empty
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