1
: a minor show offered in addition to a main exhibition (as of a circus)
2
: an incidental diversion or spectacle
Examples of sideshow in a Sentence
Their disagreement is just a political sideshow when compared to the real issues at hand.
Recent Examples on the Web
But until a magical Messi moment in the 54th minute, the match was in danger of becoming a mere sideshow to supporters expressing their admiration – actually, more like unbridled passion – for the 37-year-old who has long cemented his status as one of the greats of the sport.
—
Glen Levy, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
But the fight over transgender rights is not a sideshow in American politics.
—Adam Eichen, The Conversation, 11 June 2025
One type of car event targeted by the new ordinance is the street sideshow, which is defined under the ordinance as an event where vehicles block a roadway so drivers can perform stunts, race or show off their vehicles.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2025
That moment came a few weeks after Donald Trump had hosted SNL, which invited criticisms that the show had helped normalize his political ascent by treating him like a sideshow.
—Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sideshow
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Glen Levy, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
But the fight over transgender rights is not a sideshow in American politics.
—Adam Eichen, The Conversation, 11 June 2025
One type of car event targeted by the new ordinance is the street sideshow, which is defined under the ordinance as an event where vehicles block a roadway so drivers can perform stunts, race or show off their vehicles.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2025
That moment came a few weeks after Donald Trump had hosted SNL, which invited criticisms that the show had helped normalize his political ascent by treating him like a sideshow.
—Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sideshow
Cite this Entry
“Sideshow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideshow. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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sideshow
noun
side·show
-ˌshō 
: a small show off to the side offered in addition to a main show (as of a circus)
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