side·step
ˈsīd-ˌstep 
sidestepped; sidestepping; sidesteps
2
: to move out of the way of : avoid
sidestep a blow
sidestepper
noun
1
: a step aside (as in boxing to avoid a blow)
2
: a step taken sideways (as when climbing on skis)
Examples of sidestep in a Sentence
Verb
She sidestepped the reporter's question.
They're sidestepping the real issue.
Recent Examples on the Web
Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Deaton sidestepped that argument on Thursday and touted the map as a better version of the state’s current congressional districts, which were approved in 2022.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025
Unlike most modern cars that have to fit an array of annoying safety features that continuously bing and bong, Morgan is able to side step these requirements as a low volume manufacturer.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
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Verb
The two countries have also increasingly settled transactions in rubles and yuan with Putin announcing that 90% of the two countries transactions are being settled in those currencies as of December 2024, sidestepping Western financial systems.
—Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Deaton sidestepped that argument on Thursday and touted the map as a better version of the state’s current congressional districts, which were approved in 2022.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
Other exterior modifications, all of which have subtly been worked into the design, include side steps, grab handles to assist with entry and exit, mud flaps, a trunk liner, and a dog guard for the queen’s beloved pets.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025
Unlike most modern cars that have to fit an array of annoying safety features that continuously bing and bong, Morgan is able to side step these requirements as a low volume manufacturer.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
Cite this Entry
“Sidestep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sidestep. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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