evasion

noun

eva·​sion i-ˈvā-zhən 

ē-

1

: a means of evading : dodge

2

: the act or an instance of evading : escape

suspected of tax evasion

Synonyms

• avoidance
• cop-out
• dodging
• ducking
• eluding
• elusion
• escape
• eschewal
• eschewing
• out
• shaking
• shunning

Examples of evasion in a Sentence

He was arrested for tax evasion.

They came up with an evasion of the law to keep all the land for themselves.

His reply was nothing but careful evasions.

Recent Examples on the Web

Prosecutors are seeking nearly five years in prison, plus a hefty fine, for two counts of tax evasion. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

Prison term The prosecutor is seeking a prison term of four years and nine months for Ancelotti and a fine of 3.2 million euros (nearly $3.5 million) for two counts of tax evasion in 2014 and 2015. —Reuters, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025

The remains of Carolco ended up in litigation over debt for some time including tax evasion from Peter Hoffman. —Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2025

Cernea, who was charged as a co-conspirator in the tax evasion case, is still at large. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French, from Late Latin evasion-, evasio, from Latin evadere to evade

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for evasion

• abrasion
• caucasian
• equation
• eurasian
• invasion
• occasion
• persuasion
• asian
• suasion
• athanasian

Kids Definition

evasion

noun

eva·​sion i-ˈvā-zhən 

1

: a means of evading

2

: the act or an instance of evading : escape

tax evasion

Legal Definition

evasion

noun

eva·​sion i-ˈvā-zhən 

1

: a means of evading

2

: the act or an instance of evading see also tax evasion