Shies away can be replaced with numerous other words that have similar meanings. Some common synonyms for shies away include avoids, evades, ducks, sidesteps, shirks, dodges, skips, and backs off. These words all imply a reluctance to confront or deal with something. Additionally, phrases such as withdraws, retreats, and pulls back can also be used to convey a similar meaning to shies away. It is important to choose the right synonym based on the context of the sentence and the intended tone. Knowing synonyms for commonly used words can add variety and depth to your writing.