The act of deliberately staying away from a person, place, activity, or situation to prevent involvement, contact, or exposure to something unwanted or undesirable.
1.1. Avoiding danger or potential harm
Refers to deliberately staying away from dangerous places, harmful situations, or potential threats to protect oneself from injury, risk, or unwanted consequences.
Synonyms
- avoiding
- steering clear of
- staying away from
- keeping away from
- shunning
- dodging
- evading
- eschewing
- keeping one's distance from
Antonyms
Examples
- We recommend keeping clear of the construction area for safety reasons.
- The hikers were keeping clear of the unstable cliffs.
- Drivers should keep clear of flooded roads during heavy rain.
Related Words
1.2. Avoiding people, conflict, or unwanted involvement
Refers to intentionally avoiding contact or involvement with particular people, disputes, controversial subjects, or situations that may cause trouble or discomfort.
Synonyms
- avoiding
- shunning
- steering clear of
- staying away from
- keeping one's distance from
- sidestepping
- bypassing
- giving a wide berth to
- fighting shy of
Antonyms
- approaching
- confronting
- pursuing
- engaging with
- embracing
Examples
- She's keeping clear of drama and focusing on her own goals.
- I'm keeping clear of that project until I have more information.
- The team is keeping clear of controversial topics during the presentation.
Related Words
- detachment
- withdrawal
- distance
- disengagement
- conflict
- dispute
- involvement
- avoidance
1.3. Avoiding unwanted habits or activities
Refers to deliberately refraining from participating in activities, using substances, or engaging in habits considered harmful, undesirable, or incompatible with one's goals.
Synonyms
- avoiding
- abstaining from
- refraining from
- eschewing
- shunning
- staying away from
- resisting
Antonyms
- indulging in
- participating in
- engaging in
- embracing
- pursuing
Examples
- He's keeping clear of social media to maintain his well-being.
- She is keeping clear of unhealthy habits.
- They decided to keep clear of activities that could jeopardize their health.
Related Words