avoid crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving the "avoid crossword clue"! Whether you're stuck on a tricky puzzle or just looking to verify your answer, we've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions and explanations to help you complete your crossword with ease.
Solutions for "avoid crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SHUN: To persistently avoid, ignore, or reject someone or something.
5 Letters
ELUDE: To skillfully escape or avoid something or someone.
EVADE: To escape or avoid (someone or something) by cleverness or trickery.
DODGE: To avoid something or someone by a sudden quick movement.
6 Letters
ESCHEW: To deliberately avoid using; abstain from something undesirable.
BYPASS: To go around or avoid (an obstacle or problem).
8 Letters
SIDESTEP: To avoid (something problematic or difficult).
10 Letters
CIRCUMVENT: To find a way around (an obstacle) or to overcome (a problem or difficulty), typically in a clever and surreptitious way.
More About "avoid crossword clue"
The clue "avoid" is a common staple in many crossword puzzles, known for its versatility in potential answers. The key to solving it often lies in the specific number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues. Words like ELUDE, EVADE, and SHUN are frequently seen, each carrying a slightly different nuance but all pointing to the general concept of keeping away from something or someone.
Understanding these subtle differences can be crucial. For instance, 'elude' often suggests a clever or skillful act of escaping, while 'shun' implies a deliberate act of rejection or social ostracization. 'Evade' can apply to both physical avoidance and the avoidance of questions or duties. Always consider the context provided by the full clue, if any, and how it aligns with the possible synonyms.
Beyond the direct synonyms, "avoid" can also sometimes lead to answers that imply going around or bypassing something, like DODGE or BYPASS, especially when the clue hints at physical movement or overcoming an obstacle. Familiarity with this range of possibilities will significantly enhance your crossword-solving speed and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always start by counting the available spaces in your puzzle. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "avoid" from a long list of synonyms to only those that fit the exact length.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The letters revealed by crossing words are your best friends. Use them to confirm or eliminate potential answers quickly. If you have "E_U_E" for 5 letters, ELUDE becomes a much stronger candidate.
- Consider Nuance: Think about the subtle differences between synonyms. Does the clue imply physical avoidance (DODGE), strategic escape (ELUDE), or deliberate rejection (SHUN)? Sometimes, the puzzle setter hints at a specific nuance.
- Review Common Crossword Patterns: Many crossword answers appear frequently. Over time, you'll start to recognize common answers for specific types of clues, like "avoid" or "escape." Practice makes perfect!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for 'avoid' in crosswords?
While answers vary by puzzle, common answers for 'avoid' include ELUDE, EVADE, and SHUN, depending on the number of letters required and the specific context of the clue.
How can I figure out the specific 'avoid' answer for my puzzle?
The best way is to first check the number of letters required. Then, look at any letters already filled in from intersecting clues. These two pieces of information will usually pinpoint the correct answer from the list of possibilities for "avoid."
Are there different nuances to words like 'elude' vs. 'evade'?
Yes, there are subtle differences. 'Elude' often implies escaping with skill or cunning, perhaps from a pursuer or problem. 'Evade' can also mean to escape physically, but it's very commonly used for avoiding a question, duty, or responsibility through cleverness or trickery. The specific phrasing of the clue can help you decide which one is a better fit.