Brought to bay is a phrase that usually refers to a hunted animal that has been cornered by hunters or hunting dogs. The antonyms for this phrase incorporate the idea of freedom, escape, and avoidance. Some possible antonyms include liberated, emancipated, released, unchained, and free. These words suggest that the creature being hunted has successfully eluded its captors, or that it has been granted its freedom. Other potential antonyms for this phrase include evaded, dodged, avoided, and escaped. These words suggest that the creature being hunted has managed to avoid confrontation with its pursuers, and has managed to escape harm.