1
as in to circumvent
to avoid having to comply with (something) especially through cleverness
the eager enlistee sidestepped the regulations by lying about his age
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sidestep
Waltz sidestepped multiple questions from reporters about the origins of the war, one day after Trump claimed falsely that Ukraine started the conflict.
—
Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
Donalds sidestepped a question on his plans for 2026 during his recent appearance on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, a controversial visit that led the congressman to be accused of proxy voting, which is against House rules.
—Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Feb. 2025
Trump has aggressively bypassed institutional constraints, issued dozens of executive orders that sidestep established norms and laws, dismissed inspectors general, and set out to replace large swaths of the nonpartisan civil service with loyalists.
—BÁlint Madlovics, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025
But before Lamar and Jackson extrapolate that discography tension for a larger commentary on being Black in America, Lamar momentarily sidesteps the game metaphor in the set design, opting to begin rapping an extended snippet of an unreleased GNX track.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
Donalds sidestepped a question on his plans for 2026 during his recent appearance on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, a controversial visit that led the congressman to be accused of proxy voting, which is against House rules.
—Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Feb. 2025
Trump has aggressively bypassed institutional constraints, issued dozens of executive orders that sidestep established norms and laws, dismissed inspectors general, and set out to replace large swaths of the nonpartisan civil service with loyalists.
—BÁlint Madlovics, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025
But before Lamar and Jackson extrapolate that discography tension for a larger commentary on being Black in America, Lamar momentarily sidesteps the game metaphor in the set design, opting to begin rapping an extended snippet of an unreleased GNX track.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sidestep
Verb
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The big picture: The White House is embarking on a broader effort to circumvent traditional media, including by inviting non-mainstream outlets into the press briefing room.—
Alex Isenstadt,
Axios,
27 Feb. 2025
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Some researchers suspect the NIH's Federal Register freeze is an attempt to circumvent that ruling.—
Rob Stein,
NPR,
22 Feb. 2025
Verb
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And that homespun feeling is woven all throughout the site in Jackson, Mississippi, where the Eudora Welty House stands.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
2 Mar. 2025
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Biophilic design is also woven into as many facets as possible to foster a connection to nature and create a restful and rejuvenating aura.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Unfortunately, Hartford continues to avoid the heavy lifting that is required to have a successful system.—
Vincent Turley,
Hartford Courant,
2 Mar. 2025
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To avoid any surprises, check the Maryland Park Service website for real-time updates.—
Trudy Haywood Saunders,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Asked afterward about the Spartans’ ability to win in their own unique way, Holloman ducked the chance to take credit and instead named every member of the program’s scout team.—
Brendan Quinn,
The Athletic,
22 Feb. 2025
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While there are some in business — despite the fear of corrupt prosecution — still willing to fight the fight, there are as many others who are willing to duck and cover.—
John Ridley,
Deadline,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Colt escapes by initially driving a speedboat while facing away from the controls, evades his pursuers by zigging and zagging through the river, and then purposefully drives his boat into a floating pontoon, faking his own death via the gigantic explosion.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2025
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Now, however, DHS states that the previous rules hindered law enforcement efforts by creating sites where people without legal status could evade capture.—
Jackie Fortiér,
NPR,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Listen to this article After more than 40 years on the run, a bombing suspect accused of using a dead classmate’s identity to dodge law enforcement and claim government benefits has been arrested in New Mexico.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
28 Feb. 2025
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If a recruiter keeps dodging the salary question, don’t be afraid to press them.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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This becomes even more critical as threat actors find ways to bypass or steal 2FA codes, setting fire to our safety nets.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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But the two chambers must adopt the same budget plan to move forward with the budget reconciliation process — a complicated maneuver that allows Congress to bypass the 60-vote threshold typically required in the Senate.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sidestep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sidestep. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
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