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
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
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office reported multiple victims and asked the public to avoid the area, according to a post on Facebook.
—
Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
When using hydrogen peroxide, wear protective gloves and eyewear to avoid irritation, ensure proper ventilation, and never mix it with bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaning agents.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Here are details about the KC Streetcar Main Street extension schedule, to avoid showing up late for a shift or running behind for class.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for avoid
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
When using hydrogen peroxide, wear protective gloves and eyewear to avoid irritation, ensure proper ventilation, and never mix it with bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaning agents.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Here are details about the KC Streetcar Main Street extension schedule, to avoid showing up late for a shift or running behind for class.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for avoid
Cite this Entry
“Avoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avoid. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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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