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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Prediction markets, meanwhile, sidestep state regulation in a different way.
—
Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 10 Nov. 2025
But Bessent’s suggestion that the dividend may not involve fresh allocations would also help sidestep difficult budget math.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
In doing so, the White House appeared to sidestep Congress, posting the notification on the Federal Register a month after it was signed without consulting with congressional Democrats.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 9 Nov. 2025
Built around those calls — punctuated by Hassona’s own images — the film sidesteps the usual remove of war docs for something rawer and more intimate, the kind of testimony that has sparked emotional audience responses since Cannes and subsequent European outings.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 10 Nov. 2025
But Bessent’s suggestion that the dividend may not involve fresh allocations would also help sidestep difficult budget math.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
In doing so, the White House appeared to sidestep Congress, posting the notification on the Federal Register a month after it was signed without consulting with congressional Democrats.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 9 Nov. 2025
Built around those calls — punctuated by Hassona’s own images — the film sidesteps the usual remove of war docs for something rawer and more intimate, the kind of testimony that has sparked emotional audience responses since Cannes and subsequent European outings.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sidestep
Verb
-
This same method is being used to circumvent current sanctions, said sources in Myanmar who spoke to the Herald on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation from the junta.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The book explained how to calculate interest rates, circumvent the Church’s usury laws, apportion profits, and assess revenues and costs.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Bend in the River weaves unpredictably between the three films, the narrative – like a river flowing – assembled with the very considerable assistance of editor Jeff Malmberg.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
10 Nov. 2025
-
In decades past, CNN was known in advertising circles for being very cautious about weaving commercials into its news coverage.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Flyers should try to mitigate any headaches from delays and cancellations by avoiding booking flights with layovers, the non-profit US Public Interest Research Group says, and opt to make reservations directly with the airline rather than a third-party website.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
One flash grenade exploded just a foot away from him, said the alderman, who represents Chicago’s 22nd ward, sending him ducking for cover.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Look for the nearest tree, fence, building, car, or other obstruction to duck behind.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
As a result, the government is now forced to sell even more oil on the black market at a discount to evade US government sanctions, one of the economists in Caracas told CNN.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
-
George Washington pardoned some of those involved in the Whiskey Rebellion, while Jimmy Carter granted a blanket pardon to people who had evaded service in the Vietnam War.—
NPR,
NPR,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Today's machines can scan your home, dodge obstacles, empty themselves, and adapt their cleaning strategy room by room.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Thaon recalled swimming through snow and dodging rocks until help arrived.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The provision would close a loophole from the 2018 farm bill that has allowed unregulated THC products to be sold nationwide, bypassing state cannabis laws.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
-
And Song felt steadfast support from A24, who gave the film a commercial summer release — unlike Past Lives, Materialists bypassed festivals — and didn’t intervene with her vision.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sidestep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sidestep. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share