avoidance
noun
avoid·ance
ə-ˈvȯi-dᵊn(t)s 
1
3
: an act or practice of avoiding or withdrawing from something
Examples of avoidance in a Sentence
a writer known for avoidance of sentimentality
a complete avoidance of sentimentality
Recent Examples on the Web
Instead of focusing primarily on outcomes, professors and clinics should be alert to burnout appearing not only as low performance but also as perfectionism, emotional shutdown, avoidance or people-pleasing.
—
Sharon A. Kuhn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
But the line between tax avoidance and tax evasion is often a grey one.
—Nick Fountain, NPR, 27 May 2026
The chief prerequisite for Musk’s employment seemed to be a talent for tantrum avoidance.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 20 May 2026
You’re being called to communicate with intention rather than relying on avoidance and humor.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for avoidance
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Sharon A. Kuhn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
But the line between tax avoidance and tax evasion is often a grey one.
—Nick Fountain, NPR, 27 May 2026
The chief prerequisite for Musk’s employment seemed to be a talent for tantrum avoidance.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 20 May 2026
You’re being called to communicate with intention rather than relying on avoidance and humor.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for avoidance
Cite this Entry
“Avoidance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avoidance. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
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
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