eschew

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

Examples 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 Since 1954, the Leica M has been a testament to the enduring appeal of simplicity in photography, eschewing many technological advancements that have become commonplace in contemporary cameras. Robb Rice, Robb Report, 24 Nov. 2024 Lei is one of many founders, artists and designers on this year’s Forbes Under 30 Art & Style list who came from humble beginnings and eschewed traditional career paths. Simone Melvin, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 This plays in marked contrast to the comments of feminists, including Betty Friedan in an archival interview, looking favorably on the Beatles for eschewing macho behaviors and showing softness. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Nov. 2024 With an eye toward maximizing its cap space and the ability to add talent to the roster ahead of the trade deadline, Vancouver is currently eschewing the use of LTIR, even in managing the status of players that would be eligible for it like Thatcher Demko and Derek Forbort. Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for eschew 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eschew
Verb
  • Now, unidentified drones are flying over New Jersey, avoiding radar detection.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
  • The bottom line is that these are common mistakes in the business grant application process that can easily be avoided.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Aaron Taylor-Johnson is finding new ways to evade questions regarding those James Bond casting rumors.
    Tommy McArdle, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The sanctions target around 50 ships described as aging and often decrepit that are reportedly operating illegally to evade restrictions.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In Jacques Audiard's cartel musical, Gomez plays Jessi, the wife to Karla Sofía Gascón's titular heroine, a trans woman who's trying to escape her violent past as a cartel boss.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The dynamic clip was directed by Jonah Haber and depicts Tinashe being detained in a cell, struggling to escape as onlookers watch her dance.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near eschew

Cite this Entry

“Eschew.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eschew. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on eschew

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