SIDESTEP Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

sidestep

verb

ˈsīd-ˌstep

Definition of sidestep

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to weave

to move suddenly aside or to and fro the startled spectator sidestepped away from the oncoming ball

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of sidestep The report highlighted how lobbyists and brokers are charging felons up to millions of dollars to sidestep the traditional Justice Department clemency process, using insider access and social media influencers to push presidential pardons. — Daniel Klaidman, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026 Warner had the most eyebrow-raising quote of the 49ers’ postgame press conferences ahead of their 16-hour flight home, while many of his teammates sidestepped questions about the disparate approaches the teams had before the game. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026 Despite the shortstop’s inadvertent trespassing into Bush’s headspace, the president sidestepped the ceremonial mark at the front of the mound and toed the rubber like a pro. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Sep. 2026 Siegmund had pushed for an absolute majority in the state legislature that would allow AfD to sidestep mainstream parties’ shunning of it. — Geir Moulson, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sidestep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sidestep

Verb

To circumvent these challenges, aerospace engineers and scientists plan to practice In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), the use of materials already found on the planet.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026
The sides agreed to that trade in late June but didn't complete it until earlier this month, delaying the process because of the NBA's investigation into whether the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules on Leonard's behalf.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of circumvent

Verb

Elaine unravels that mystery, weaving together the way insurance companies’ coverage decisions have shaped how these medicines are used.

— Amanda Erickson, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026
Intricate leather weaves reinterpreted the brand’s classic bags and shoes, while denim, crystal embroidery and ostrich-effect materials added pizzazz to the lineup.

— Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of weave

Verb

The company estimates that converting the existing US fleet could avoid about 20 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually while providing gigawatts of additional generating capacity.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026
In Indonesia, farmers rely on rain to dissolve fertilizers into the soil to avoid burning the plants, explained Eddy Martono, chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association.

— EDNA TARIGAN, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of avoid

Verb

Even so, the show ducked and dived the long arm of the network fuddy-duddies beautifully, skirting the edge of censorship with a knowing wink, clever pun, and out-of-this-world comedic timing.

— Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 22 Sep. 2026
But then, Jackson ducked low beneath two heavyweight defenders.

— Candace Buckner, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of duck

Verb

But when the canal turns out to be the site of illicit Russian mafia activities, Irwin becomes a witness and must evade the mob and its threats to his family while relying on his partner and former cop brother to help get him out of trouble.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
On the 16-yard pass to wide receiver Rashee Rice, Mahomes evaded a pass rusher, waited and stepped up in the pocket before completing a throw.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of evade

Verb

At the time that theatergoers were sitting on the edges of their seats and watching Bullock dodge debris, there were only about 1,000 active satellites in orbit.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026
That is a reason to be careful with wording, not a reason to dodge honest questions.

— Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of dodge

Verb

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is an important alternative for oil exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, especially for Saudi Arabia, whose East-West pipeline allows the kingdom to divert some crude flows to be exported from the Red Sea.

— Sam Meredith,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
His team managed to pull serious strings to bypass the lengthy waitlist and typical time requirements to secure him a spot in the intensive five-hundred-hour course that can last between nine and twelve months.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026