1
as in to flee
to get free from a dangerous or confining situation
everyone managed to escape from the burning building in time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to evade
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery
a judge who is very determined not to let criminals escape punishment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in flight
the act or an instance of getting free from danger or confinement
a daring prison escape
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in evasion
the act or a means of getting or keeping away from something undesirable
the reading of science fiction novels as an escape from boring reality
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of escape
Lyn Riddle, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
Hali Vaughn says her father escaped with no injuries.
—Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
The recent escape of several research monkeys after the truck carrying them overturned on a Mississippi interstate is the latest glimpse into the secretive industry of animal research and the processes that allow key details of what happened to be kept from the public.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escape
Verb
The four-mile long island was used in the 1700s as a summer refuge for wealthy rice planters escaping malaria.
—Noun
Surrounded by miles of woods, the location sets the stage for a tranquil escape, but those who are looking for a few activities to pass the time will be happy to discover its proximity to the Rockbridge Nature Preserve, as well as local wineries and breweries.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for escape
Verb
-
The tanker, Bella 1, had renamed itself Marinera and registered under the Russian flag after fleeing the region, according to an intelligence report from AI maritime analytics firm Windward.—
-
Instead of stopping to help the victim, the driver fled from the area.—
Verb
-
Davis faces three counts of first-degree assault and a single count each of second-degree manslaughter, evading responsibility involving a death, reckless driving and failure to drive in the proper lane.—
-
Ashton Hill, 17, was charged with discharge of a firearm in certain municipalities, evading arrest, riot participation, possession of marijuana under two ounces in a drug-free zone and possession of CS PG2 under one gram.—
Noun
-
The system supports more than 10 smart flight modes, including Snorkel Mode and Mount Mode, expanding how users can capture footage on and around water.—
-
Using your airline’s app can also give you access to the most recent updates regarding gate changes, flight delays, and more.—
Noun
-
After the 1994 season, he was charged with tax evasion.—
-
Strawberry was indicted for tax evasion and pleaded guilty in 1995 to a felony charge for failing to report $350,000 in income from autograph signings, personal appearances and memorabilia sales.—
Verb
-
The self-flying camera is equipped with a 4K camera capable of recording at up to 100 frames per second.—
-
On Wednesday, numerous commemorations and tributes occurred in the devastated communities and throughout the city and county of Los Angeles —including flags flying at half-staff at City Hall, county buildings and at all state buildings.—
Verb
-
To avoid this dilemma, my aunt always travels with a portable power bank like this slim option from Anker.—
-
Learn how to properly thaw frozen pipes, and how to avoid them in the first place.—
Noun
-
Minnesota led 71-54 at the halftime break.—
-
Hoover settled down as the game wore on and led TCU on a scoring drive after the halftime break.—
Noun
-
These movements, called avoidance maneuvers, already happen tens of thousands of times every year.—
-
The growing importance of collision avoidance The US operates by far the most satellites in low Earth orbit, thanks largely to SpaceX’s Starlink constellation.—
Cite this Entry
“Escape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escape. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share