avoid
verb (used with object)
to keep away from; keep clear of; shun.
was avoiding
-
past progressiveof avoid.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Your mom probably thought she was on top of things and was avoiding getting your involved in order to spare you the burden and her the embarrassment.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 6, 2026
“I was avoiding sugar in the beginning of the illness,” she said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 16, 2026
Lewandowski was avoiding swiping into the building to stay under his service limit, according to department officials.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 13, 2026
Back then, his main concern was avoiding the Vietnam War.
From Slate ● Dec. 23, 2025
For some reason, Sticky was avoiding the subject.
From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart
