sidestep

1 of 2

verb

side·​step ˈsīd-ˌstep 

sidestepped; sidestepping; sidesteps

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

Verb

• beat
• bypass
• circumvent
• dodge
• get around
• shortcut
• skirt

Examples of sidestep in a Sentence

Verb

She sidestepped the reporter's question.

They're sidestepping the real issue.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Automation can sidestep this problem by enabling teams to assemble a data architecture using easy-to-use, off-the-shelf tools. —Taylor Brown, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024

Regardless of whether the legal arguments set out in the complaint ultimately hold, the lawsuit underlines the narrowness of the margin by which Tether sidestepped the contagion that brought down Celsius and a number of other crypto firms in 2022. —Joel Khalili, WIRED, 15 Aug. 2024

Noun

Power-deploying side steps make climbing into the Power Wagon a breeze. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2024

Despite being 6-foot-9, Tatum was more comfortable taking contested side step 3s than attacking the lane or mid-range. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2024

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

Kids Definition

sidestep

verb

side·​step -ˌstep 

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