sidestep

1 of 2

verb

side·​step ˈsīd-ˌstep How to pronounce sidestep (audio)
sidestepped; sidestepping; sidesteps
Synonyms of sidestepnext

transitive verb

1
: bypass, evade
sidestep a question
2
: to move out of the way of : avoid
sidestep a blow

intransitive verb

1
: to take a side step
2
: to avoid an issue or decision
sidestepper noun

side step

2 of 2

noun

1
: a step aside (as in boxing to avoid a blow)
2
: a step taken sideways (as when climbing on skis)

Synonyms of sidestep

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Verb

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Examples of sidestep in a Sentence

Verb She sidestepped the reporter's question. They're sidestepping the real issue.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Colom mostly sidesteps Mississippi history or electoral math unless asked. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 Doing so would sidestep a vote by the entire Senate, but in order for the resolution to carry the full force of Congress the GOP would need to secure 60 votes for it. — Eric McDaniel, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
The pool’s design is perhaps what’s most striking, as it’s constructed with an acrylic glass window and non-slip side steps that are built into the frame. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026 Daily practicality is another area where side steps outperform stock configurations. — New Atlas, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sidestep

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1860, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sidestep was circa 1656

Rhymes for sidestep

See All Rhymes for sidestep

Browse Nearby Words

side sprig
sidestep
side step
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sidestep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sidestep. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sidestep

verb
side·​step -ˌstep How to pronounce sidestep (audio)
1
: to take a step to the side
2
: to avoid by a step to the side
sidestep a blow
3
: to avoid answering or dealing with
sidestep a question

More from Merriam-Webster on sidestep

Nglish: Translation of sidestep for Spanish Speakers

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