sideways

adverb or adjective

side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz How to pronounce sideways (audio)
Synonyms of sidewaysnext
1
: from one side
2
: with one side forward
turn sideways
3
a
: in a lateral direction or downward to one side
hopped sideways
slump sideways
b
: askance
look sideways at someone

Synonyms of sideways

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Examples of sideways in a Sentence

I had to walk sideways to get between the two towering piles of boxes she glanced at us sideways when she heard us claim we weren't there that night
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.
Most conversations go sideways because one side is managing an agenda and the other can feel it. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 The ride, named after a legendary sea serpent from Philippine mythology, will reach 382 feet high and speeds of up to 100 mph, sending guests spinning through the air, upright, inverted and sideways. — Michael L. Diamond, USA Today, 28 July 2026 In the footage, the track ahead of the ride vehicles appeared to be split apart, with the rider’s cart on the multi-car coaster train tilted sideways. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026 Liverpool played with a higher tempo and were more direct, moving the ball forward quickly, rather than passing it sideways. — James Pearce, New York Times, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sideways

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sideways was in 1572

Phrases Containing sideways

Rhymes for sideways

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Browse Nearby Words

sideway
sideways
side-wedge graft
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sideways.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideways. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sideways

adverb or adjective
side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz How to pronounce sideways (audio)
1
: from one side
viewed the stage sideways
2
: with one side forward
turn sideways
3
: to one side
fell sideways

More from Merriam-Webster on sideways

Nglish: Translation of sideways for Spanish Speakers

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