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Synonyms

shy away from

Idioms  

  1. Avoid, evade, as in He shied away from all questions concerning his private life. [Late 1700s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He didn’t shy away from criticizing the government on democratic governance issues either.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Without sacrificing the book’s dark humor, Burke doesn’t shy away from the repercussions of Natalie’s choices, and scenes with her children are the most frustrating and emotionally resonant.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

“I also don’t shy away from using my own financial journey, mistakes and all, as examples.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

It vows to "not shy away" from investigating any factor that led to the abuse and exploitation of victims - including culture, ethnicity and religion.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

She catches me in the rearview mirror watching her, so I don’t shy away from it.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.