sidestep

1 of 2

verb

side·​step ˈsīd-ˌstep 

sidestepped; sidestepping; sidesteps

transitive verb

1

: bypass, evade

sidestep a question

2

: to move out of the way of : avoid

sidestep a blow

intransitive verb

1

: to take a side step

2

: to avoid an issue or decision

sidestepper noun

side step

2 of 2

noun

1

: a step aside (as in boxing to avoid a blow)

2

: a step taken sideways (as when climbing on skis)

Synonyms of sidestep

Verb

• circumvent
• avoid
• evade
• bypass

Examples of sidestep in a Sentence

Verb

She sidestepped the reporter's question.

They're sidestepping the real issue.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

It’s often sidestepped on the dessert spread—or prone to endless regifting. —Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025

The filing also accuses the FDA of sidestepping normal administrative practice. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 15 Dec. 2025

Noun

In doing so, the Analogue 3D side steps many of the incompatibilities found in typical software emulation, such as graphic and audio glitches, input lag, and frame rate issues. —PC Magazine, 18 Nov. 2025

Elgin will hold its annual Patriot Day remembrance ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, on the west side steps of City Hall, 150 Dexter Court. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1860, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sidestep

• multistep
• overstep
• bicep
• doorstep
• footstep
• instep
• lockstep
• misstep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep

Kids 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