1
as in to leave
to give up (a job or office)
a newscaster who knew when it was time to step aside from the anchor desk and let a younger person take over
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to resign
to give up (as a position of authority) formally
the prime minister was compelled to step aside from his office when it was demonstrated that he had violated the public trust
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step aside (from)
Verb
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In France, 60% of respondents said their government’s policies will leave future generations worse off, as did 53% in the United Kingdom and 51% in Germany.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026 -
Payne fled after the shooting, leaving his children behind.—
Quinlan Bentley,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While Streeting was on-message with the rest of the Cabinet in supporting Starmer after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for the prime minister to resign, the secretary reportedly spoke with Sarwar in the days leading up to the call for Starmer to resign.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
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Laporta resigned from his role on Monday morning — at least temporarily.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The manager of Kennesaw’s controversial Civil War shop has agreed to relinquish the downtown store and several other properties that were subject to a lengthy fight over the late owner’s estate.—
Shaddi Abusaid,
AJC.com,
7 Feb. 2026
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Angell relinquished not only his role as chair, but as a board member entirely.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Congress, meanwhile, has largely abdicated its regulatory role, lulled into inaction by Silicon Valley’s campaign dollars and lobbying power.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
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The same could be said for Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe II, 85, who two years ago voluntarily abdicated the throne to make way for her son.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Yun, the expecting mother who quit her job, often finds public attitudes unfriendly toward children.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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Sullivan had just quit his real-life job to start at the bottom inside the Packers then, too.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Step aside (from).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20aside%20%28from%29. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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