eschew

verb

e-ˈshü How to pronounce eschew (audio)
Definition of eschewnext
as in to avoid
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery the minister eschews involvement in local politics, since he doesn't want to diminish his moral authority in the community

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb eschew contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of eschew are avoid, elude, escape, evade, and shun. While all these words mean "to get away or keep away from something," eschew implies an avoiding or abstaining from as unwise or distasteful.

a playwright who eschews melodrama

Where would avoid be a reasonable alternative to eschew?

The meanings of avoid and eschew largely overlap; however, avoid stresses forethought and caution in keeping clear of danger or difficulty.

try to avoid past errors

When is elude a more appropriate choice than eschew?

The words elude and eschew 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 could escape be used to replace eschew?

While the synonyms escape and eschew are close in meaning, 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 is it sensible to use evade instead of eschew?

The words evade and eschew can be used in similar contexts, but 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 eschew?

Although the words shun and eschew have much in common, 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 eschew If Edmonton continues to eschew elevating youth, a complete rebuild may be necessary in the years to come. —Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 Since launching her Senate run in December, the progressive firebrand has distinguished herself with an unconventional campaign, eschewing traditional advice regarding key tenets of campaigning, such as fundraising and advertising output. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 9 Feb. 2026 Payton does not regret going for it on fourth-and-1 in the second quarter of the AFC Championship Game, eschewing a chip shot field goal. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026 Rico Ace, another Liverpool MC featured on a number of songs with Esdeekid, came out second, somewhat eschewing the typical opener-to-headliner sequence, and a testament to the rapper’s commitment to putting the people around him on. —Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eschew
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eschew
  1. avoid
  2. evade
  3. escape
Verb
  • Avian influenza continues to cause significant mortality in wild birds, prompting the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to recommend avoiding contact with wild birds.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • During warmer months, when the path is crowded with tourists in leisure mode, anyone who walks with a purpose should avoid the Bridge at all costs.
    — Katie James Watkinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of avoid
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Bottega Veneta’s perfume holder makes sure your travel-sized scent never ever rolls around at the bottom of your bag, evading your grip hand again.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Kids use a variety of methods to evade age rules by giving fraudulent information.
    — Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of evade
Verb
  • When approached, such a goose might have made a feeble attempt to escape.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Dylan Volantis escaped a jam with two consecutive strikeouts to conclude a stellar outing.
    — David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of escape

Browse Nearby Words

escarpments
eschew
eschewal
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Cite this Entry

“Eschew.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eschew. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on eschew

Nglish: Translation of eschew for Spanish Speakers

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