avoidance
noun
avoid·ance
ə-ˈvȯi-dᵊn(t)s 
1
3
: an act or practice of avoiding or withdrawing from something
Synonyms
Examples of avoidance in a Sentence
a writer known for avoidance of sentimentality
a complete avoidance of sentimentality
Recent Examples on the Web
Unlike general worry, health anxiety can significantly disrupt a person's daily life, causing excessive doctor visits or, conversely, complete avoidance of medical care due to fear of a devastating diagnosis.
—
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
For Questlove, this speaks to his initial avoidance when he was approached to direct Summer of Soul.
—Naima Cochrane, VIBE.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Hesitation to initiate tasks, often fueled by the overwhelming nature of clutter, leads to avoidance.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
The Rams can offset some of Minnesota’s defensive playmaking with top-eight sack avoidance and interception rates.
—The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for avoidance 
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.
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
For Questlove, this speaks to his initial avoidance when he was approached to direct Summer of Soul.
—Naima Cochrane, VIBE.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Hesitation to initiate tasks, often fueled by the overwhelming nature of clutter, leads to avoidance.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
The Rams can offset some of Minnesota’s defensive playmaking with top-eight sack avoidance and interception rates.
—The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for avoidance
Dictionary Entries Near avoidance
Cite this Entry
“Avoidance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avoidance. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
avoidance
noun
avoid·ance
ə-ˈvȯid-ᵊn(t)s
: the act or an instance of avoiding something
Medical Definition
avoidance
noun
avoid·ance
ə-ˈvȯid-ᵊn(t)s
often attributive
: the act or practice of keeping away from or withdrawing from something undesirable
reinforced by escape or avoidance of electric shock—E. S. Katkin & E. N. Murray
E. S. Katkin & E. N. Murrayavoidance learning
especially
: an anticipatory response undertaken to avoid a noxious stimulus
conditioned avoidance in mice
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share