step aside

verb

stepped aside; stepping aside; steps aside

intransitive verb

: to withdraw from one's position or occupation : step down

Synonyms of step aside

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Examples of step aside in a Sentence

a newscaster who knew when it was time to step aside from the anchor desk and let a younger person take over the prime minister was compelled to step aside from his office when it was demonstrated that he had violated the public trust
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.
Julian Beaudion withdrew after resisting pressure to step aside, making South Dakota’s contest the third Senate race without a Democratic candidate. — Ben Binday, Washington Post, 4 Aug. 2026 Paraag Marathe, the San Francisco 49ers’ executive VP of football operations and owner Jed York’s right-hand man and chief contract negotiator for nearly a quarter of a century, is stepping aside to focus on Leeds United and Rangers FC. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 On the sales rundown, though, Langley steps aside after nearly passing a trio of decade-defining smashes in the history books. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Gordon started thinking about stepping aside about 18 months ago, before Babylist had one of its best years ever. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for step aside

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of step aside was in 1949

Rhymes for step aside

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Browse Nearby Words

step-and-repeat
step aside
step back
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step aside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20aside. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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