Antonyms for the phrase "brushing against" include avoiding, eluding, evading, steering clear, sidestepping, shirking, dodging, neglecting, overlooking, and ignoring. Unlike "brushing against," which suggests a light, accidental touch, these antonyms emphasize deliberate avoidance or disregard. For instance, someone who's "dodging" might actively try to avoid contact, while someone who's "ignoring" might not even notice the other person's presence. These antonyms can come in handy when you want to convey a different tone or meaning in your writing. By choosing the right antonym for your context, you can create a clearer, more nuanced picture of what's happening.