avoidance

noun

avoid·ance ə-ˈvȯi-dᵊn(t)s

Synonyms of avoidance

obsolete

: an action of emptying, vacating, or clearing away

: outlet

: annulment sense 1

: 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

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.

This feeling, or tendency toward avoidance of complex patients, was captured in a 2005 study published in JAMA. — Jennifer Adaeze Okwerekwu, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026 Underpinning the avoidance of giving up full control to AI agents is trust. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026 Summary Dynasty trusts are dynamic tools for managing generational wealth, far beyond simple tax avoidance. — Michael Gold Cfp, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the upgrade is intended to support mission-essential navigation and weather avoidance while improving the aircraft’s capabilities for both conventional and nuclear missions. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for avoidance

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of avoidance was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Avoidance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avoidance. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids 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

avoidance learning

especially : an anticipatory response undertaken to avoid a noxious stimulus

conditioned avoidance in mice

avoidance

noun

Synonyms of avoidance

Examples of avoidance in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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