The word "bare brunt of" means to face the full force or consequence of something. Antonyms for this phrase could include avoiding, bypassing, sidestepping, or circumventing. These terms suggest ways of avoiding or mitigating the negative effects of a situation, rather than confronting them head-on. For example, instead of baring the brunt of a difficult problem or situation, one could try to navigate around it or find ways to minimize its impact. Using antonyms like these can help to convey a sense of resourcefulness and flexibility, while also acknowledging the challenges that may be present.