Antonyms for the phrase "brushes against" include avoids, moves away, stays clear of, shuns, bypasses, circumvents, sidesteps, and detours. When someone brushes against something, they come in contact or graze against it, often unintentionally. However, in certain situations or contexts, it may be essential to avoid, bypass, or circumvent the object or obstacle to achieve the desired result. For instance, a driver may have to divert from a busy intersection and take a detour to reach their destination safely. In contrast, someone who shuns or moves away from a particular object or person actively avoids the contact or association for different reasons, such as fear, discomfort, or personal preferences.