Synonym Chooser

How does the verb shun contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of shun are avoid, elude, escape, eschew, and evade. While all these words mean "to get away or keep away from something," shun often implies an avoiding as a matter of habitual practice or policy and may imply repugnance or abhorrence.

you have shunned your responsibilities

Where would avoid be a reasonable alternative to shun?

In some situations, the words avoid and shun are roughly equivalent. However, avoid stresses forethought and caution in keeping clear of danger or difficulty.

try to avoid past errors

When can elude be used instead of shun?

While the synonyms elude and shun are close in meaning, elude implies a slippery or baffling quality in the person or thing that escapes.

what she sees in him eludes me

When is escape a more appropriate choice than shun?

The synonyms escape and shun are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 might eschew be a better fit than shun?

While in some cases nearly identical to shun, eschew implies an avoiding or abstaining from as unwise or distasteful.

a playwright who eschews melodrama

In what contexts can evade take the place of shun?

Although the words evade and shun have much in common, evade implies adroitness, ingenuity, or lack of scruple in escaping or avoiding.

evaded the question by changing the subject

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 shun However, Arguello claims that despite the best efforts of distributor Mubi to include her, she was shunned from the list. Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025 Sean Gallup/Getty Images German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sharply rebuked U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Saturday, a day after Vance gave a speech saying European leaders should not shun far-right political parties. Juliana Kim, NPR, 15 Feb. 2025 Realmuto is now shunned by an army of bitter buyers. Gene McCaffrey, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025 Later shunned for the crime of not being a painter of socialist realism. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shun
Verb
  • Soundproofing your apartment and crate-training your pup will help your dog bark less and avoid complaints from angry neighbors.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • In the censure debate on Tuesday, opposition MPs reportedly questioned the prime minister’s knowledge gaps and accused her of avoiding questions from reporters.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • DeAngelo evaded prosecution for years while committing a string of murders and rapes across the Golden State between 1974 and 1986, including two murders and nine kidnappings in Sacramento County alone.
    Lia Russell, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2025
  • However, Boasberg says the department evaded its obligations.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In fact, research shows that beyond escaping poverty, additional wealth has little impact on long-term emotional well-being.
    Shane Enete, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Yolanda, who escaped across the border into Mexico later that day, was named a primary suspect.
    Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shun. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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