When looking for a way to express "staying away," there are several synonyms that can be used to give a more accurate and nuanced description. One of these is "avoiding," which implies an intentional effort to stay clear of something. "Keeping clear" or "keeping away" can also be used in this context, perhaps to suggest a sense of caution or distance. Alternatively, "steering clear," "abstaining," or "refraining" all suggest a conscious decision to not engage with something. Finally, "keeping at bay" or "keeping out of harm's way" both imply protection or safety concerns. Overall, there are many synonyms for "staying away" that can convey different shades of meaning and context.