Looking for synonyms for do not? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say do not.
- Refrain from
- Avoid
- Abstain from
- Forgo
- Eschew
- Shun
- Steer clear of
- Withhold
- Decline
- Resist
- Desist from
- Cease
- Discontinue
- Inhibit
- Forbear
- Keep from
- Opt out of
- Hold back
- Abjure
- Renounce
Want to learn how to say do not professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Refrain from
Refrain from is used to advise or instruct someone not to do something.
Example: “Please refrain from discussing confidential information in public areas.”
2. Avoid
Avoid is appropriate for advising someone to stay away from something or not to do it.
Example: “To maintain neutrality, avoid any political discussions in the workplace.”
3. Abstain from
Abstain from is used when choosing not to do or engage in something, especially for moral or health reasons.
Example: “Employees must abstain from any activities that could lead to a conflict of interest.”
4. Forgo
Forgo is suitable for deciding not to do something or have something, often as a sacrifice.
Example: “The team decided to forgo the usual long meetings in favor of brief daily check-ins.”
5. Eschew
Eschew is used for deliberately avoiding or abstaining from something.
Example: “The manager chose to eschew traditional marketing methods for more innovative techniques.”
6. Shun
Shun is appropriate for persistently avoiding, ignoring, or rejecting someone or something.
Example: “Employees who engage in unethical practices should be shunned and reported.”
7. Steer clear of
Steer clear of is used to advise someone to avoid something completely.
Example: “Steer clear of making any speculative statements to the press.”
8. Withhold
Withhold is suitable for intentionally holding back something that is due or expected.
Example: “The accounting department must withhold payment until the issue is resolved.”
9. Decline
Decline is used when politely refusing an offer or invitation.
Example: “I must decline the invitation to the event due to a prior commitment.”
10. Resist
Resist is appropriate for trying hard not to do something that one has a strong desire to do.
Example: “Resist the urge to respond to emails outside of your working hours.”
11. Desist from
Desist from is used for stopping doing something, often by law or order.
Example: “The company was ordered to desist from any activities violating environmental standards.”
12. Cease
Cease is suitable for stopping something from happening or existing.
Example: “The company must cease all unauthorized use of copyrighted material.”
13. Discontinue
Discontinue is used for ending an activity or process.
Example: “The product line will be discontinued due to low sales figures.”
14. Inhibit
Inhibit is appropriate for hindering, restraining, or preventing an action or process.
Example: “Employees are advised to inhibit any behavior that contradicts company policy.”
15. Forbear
Forbear is used for politely or patiently restraining an impulse to do something.
Example: “We ask our staff to forbear from making personal calls during work hours.”
16. Keep from
Keep from is suitable for preventing oneself or someone else from doing something.
Example: “Keep from engaging in any activities that could be construed as a misuse of company resources.”
17. Opt out of
Opt out of is used when deciding not to participate in something.
Example: “You may opt out of the company retreat if you have prior commitments.”
18. Hold back
Hold back is appropriate for restraining oneself from doing or showing something.
Example: “Hold back from making any commitments until you have all the necessary information.”
19. Abjure
Abjure is used for solemnly renouncing or abstaining from a belief or practice.
Example: “The CEO abjured the outdated practices that were holding the company back.”
20. Renounce
Renounce is suitable for formally declaring one’s abandonment of a claim, right, or possession.
Example: “He renounced his previous statements about the merger after learning new information.”
