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
Several Fiji Mermaid replicas cropped up in museums and the sideshow circuit over the next few decades, per the university.
—
Toria Sheffield, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
There followed a surreal half-time chat between Chapman and Poyet about his dismissal, with the game relegated to a sideshow, as fellow pundit Efan Ekoku shifted awkwardly in his seat.
—Tom Burrows, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
After the spotlight faded, he was sold to a sideshow and lived in poor conditions until an Ohio businessman helped raise the funds to rescue him.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Despite the talent of Phoenix and Melina, the match was relegated to a mere sideshow, overshadowed by celebrity appearances and comedic segments.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sideshow
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Toria Sheffield, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
There followed a surreal half-time chat between Chapman and Poyet about his dismissal, with the game relegated to a sideshow, as fellow pundit Efan Ekoku shifted awkwardly in his seat.
—Tom Burrows, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
After the spotlight faded, he was sold to a sideshow and lived in poor conditions until an Ohio businessman helped raise the funds to rescue him.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Despite the talent of Phoenix and Melina, the match was relegated to a mere sideshow, overshadowed by celebrity appearances and comedic segments.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 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 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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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