The phrase "stays away" means to keep a distance or refrain from being present in a certain place or situation. Synonyms for this phrase include "avoids," "keeps clear," "steers clear," and "shuns". Other synonyms include "eschews," "evades," "refrains from," "abstains from," "withdraws from," and "stays clear of." These words can be used interchangeably with "stays away" to convey the same meaning of avoiding something or someone. When opting to utilize a synonym for "stays away", it's crucial to select the best word based on the context of the sentence or situation at hand.