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 Keeping processing in-house has helped the company control quality and sidestep the extra freight costs and markups associated with outsourcing. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are being accused of playing royals on their own terms — and sidestepping the late Queen Elizabeth II's wishes in the process. — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Trump sidestepped a question earlier this month on Netanyahu's reelection bid. — Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026 The delay leaves unpopular Palestinian Authority leaders in place and sidesteps a potential opposition alliance, as Palestinians have not voted in a legislative election since Hamas won in 2006. — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sidestep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sidestep

Verb

All three said West Point appears to be circumventing the judge's ruling by using a different justification to continue to enforce its speech rules.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
To circumvent the council’s rulings, Khan created a development corporation, a mayoral body that could take control of the area and assume planning powers from the council.

— Will Barker, TheWeek, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of circumvent

Verb

Eller took a long pass from Aaron Ekblad just inside the blue line, weaved down the right side and ripped a wrist shot from the circle past Chicago goaltender Spencer Knight.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
The Chiefs had no answer for Smith-Njigba, who bobbed and weaved his way through the defense for nine catches, 150 yards and a touchdown.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of weave

Verb

My habit of eschewing the news started as FOMO prevention but gradually transformed into a way to avoid the mounting horrors beyond our door.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
The Michigan State Police say the most serious deer-vehicle traffic crashes happen when drivers swerve to avoid striking the animal, and in the process strike something else or roll over their vehicle.

— Paula Wethington, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of avoid

Verb

That's a real benefit for those who don't want to duck down or climb steps to bed every night.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
Well, about four songs in, Jackson Browne decides to start his spiel about 'No Nukes' and how there was a nuke plant near Champaign, and everyone should 'duck and cover' or some crap like that.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of duck

Verb

But not all Chicagoans have the luxury of adjusting their schedules to evade the darkness, said Gina Scaletta, who has been walking dogs for more than a decade.

— Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Adding items mid-meeting is permissible in emergencies, plaintiffs say, but not as means to evade public notice requirements.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of evade

Verb

Authorities at the Villages denied him access, and the shoot required him to dodge security guards, charm subjects, and occasionally adopt disguises.

— Alex Barasch, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
When the Gaza questions do pick up again, most Democrats are likely to punt to the International Criminal Court — already a popular way to dodge them.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of dodge

Verb

Current and former employees say that the decision to restart injection came from the top of the oil division, including Strickland and McGinnis, among others — bypassing staff who objected to the plan.

— Nick Bowlin, ProPublica, 27 Oct. 2026
Because they are structured as a purchase of future receivables rather than a traditional loan, MCAs bypass the lengthy underwriting process of traditional banks.

— Nathan Mor, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026