escape 1 of 2

escape

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb escape contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of escape are avoid, elude, eschew, evade, and shun. While all these words mean "to get away or keep away from something," escape stresses the fact of getting away or being passed by not necessarily through effort or by conscious intent.

nothing escapes her sharp eyes

When could avoid be used to replace escape?

The words avoid and escape can be used in similar contexts, but avoid stresses forethought and caution in keeping clear of danger or difficulty.

try to avoid past errors

When is it sensible to use elude instead of escape?

The words elude and escape are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, elude implies a slippery or baffling quality in the person or thing that escapes.

what she sees in him eludes me

When is eschew a more appropriate choice than escape?

While in some cases nearly identical to escape, eschew implies an avoiding or abstaining from as unwise or distasteful.

a playwright who eschews melodrama

When can evade be used instead of escape?

In some situations, the words evade and escape are roughly equivalent. However, evade implies adroitness, ingenuity, or lack of scruple in escaping or avoiding.

evaded the question by changing the subject

When would shun be a good substitute for escape?

The meanings of shun and escape largely overlap; however, shun often implies an avoiding as a matter of habitual practice or policy and may imply repugnance or abhorrence.

you have shunned your responsibilities

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of escape
Verb
Tanya Ramsey's brother and mother were staying in a cabin 100 yards away, and Jeff Ramsey's call to them gave them enough time to escape, Jake Ramsey said. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 9 July 2025 For more than two decades, a special team of Mexican police officers has quietly worked along the northern border to track down and deport foreign fugitives who cross into Mexico to escape criminal charges in their home countries. Time, 9 July 2025
Noun
Director James Gunn’s antsy reboot skips past the origin story of infant Kal-El slamming into Kansas in an escape pod from Krypton. Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025 The river rose more than 20 feet in under two hours, sweeping through cabins and cutting off escape routes. Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for escape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escape
Verb
  • In July 1987, flooding on the Guadalupe River in Kerr County forced hundreds of people to flee the area.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 12 July 2025
  • In June, the U.N. said, more than 147,000 people fled their homes in the central region, once a bastion of safety for those trying to escape the horrors of the capital.
    Jacqueline Charles July 11, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Dexter stalks his next victim (Marc Menchaca) — a killer who targets ride-share drivers — while the ghost of his father Harry (James Remar) urges him to be careful, and a fidgety Harrison tries to evade police suspicions.
    EW.com, EW.com, 10 July 2025
  • Ten people involved in the ambush were arrested that night or early the next morning, but Song evaded capture, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • According to the report, the flight lasted around 30 seconds between takeoff and crash.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025
  • Purposefully designed to have a roomy, relaxed fit around the chest and waist, and made with a soft, breathable fleece fabric, this pullover is the perfect layering piece for chilly flights or lounging at the hotel.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • The Chrisley Knows Best stars were serving time after being convicted of tax evasion and bank fraud in 2022.
    Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 7 July 2025
  • The former married former reality stars were convicted of tax evasion and defrauding community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans to fund their luxurious lifestyle.
    Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Passengers flying in the United States at certain airports are no longer required to take off their shoes when going through security lines, according to news outlets including CBS News and The New York Times on Monday.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • Gunn’s approach is colorful, in both its palette and the costumes; proudly fantastical, with flying orbs, robots, portals, and giant monsters; and at times endearingly, intentionally corny (see: Krypto the super dog).
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • For efficient and safe removal, residents should avoid stacking debris near trees, utility poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, or meters.
    Robbie Farias, Austin American Statesman, 12 July 2025
  • Together, the groups have created a high-tech stage in the upper stands, to avoid potentially damaging the pitch at halftime of such an important game, featuring 40,000 pounds of gear, scenery and structural trusses.
    Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Elsewhere, a late summer to late spring schedule is the norm—though several European leagues require multi-week winter breaks to avoid the worst temperatures.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
  • Quiet and largely seasonably pleasant weather will settle across the Kansas City area on Tuesday, giving the metro a break from the heat and storms of the past few days, according to the National Weather Service.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Instead of avoiding a task, face the core of your worry, reframe the negative thoughts that fuel your avoidance and get back to the task with intention.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • When the neurons were turned on artificially, the mice reacted with fear and avoidance, even when no pain was actually present.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Escape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escape. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on escape

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!