Abstain and Avoid

Abstain

Abstain verb - Choose not to consume.

Avoid is a synonym for abstain in action topic. In some cases you can use "Avoid" instead a verb "Abstain", when it comes to topics like renounce, skip, hold back from doing.

Avoid

Avoid verb - Refrain from certain foods or beverages.
Usage example: During Ramadan, Muslims avoid tobacco during the day

Abstain is a synonym for avoid in action topic. You can use "Abstain" instead a verb "Avoid", if it concerns topics such as prevent, skip.

Common collocations

punishment abstain punishment avoid punishment
Cite this Source
Avoid and Abstain. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/abstain/avoid
Abstain & Avoid. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/abstain/avoid>.
Avoid or Abstain. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/abstain/avoid.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "abstain" and "avoid" have occurred on timeline