side·step
ˈsīd-ˌstep 
sidestepped; sidestepping; sidesteps
2
: to move out of the way of : avoid
sidestep a blow
sidestepper
noun
1
: a step aside (as in boxing to avoid a blow)
2
: a step taken sideways (as when climbing on skis)
Examples of sidestep in a Sentence
Verb
She sidestepped the reporter's question.
They're sidestepping the real issue.
Recent Examples on the Web
Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
These interagency agreements carefully sidestep the statutes by having the Education Department retain oversight and leadership while managing the programs alongside other agencies.
—Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Other exterior modifications, all of which have subtly been worked into the design, include side steps, grab handles to assist with entry and exit, mud flaps, a trunk liner, and a dog guard for the queen’s beloved pets.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
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Verb
The dramatization of one of the darkest chapters in American crime history has drawn plaudits for sidestepping easy sensationalism about the Chicago contractor and amateur clown who murdered 33 boys in the 1970s, burying them in a crawl space beneath his house.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
These interagency agreements carefully sidestep the statutes by having the Education Department retain oversight and leadership while managing the programs alongside other agencies.
—Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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
Other exterior modifications, all of which have subtly been worked into the design, include side steps, grab handles to assist with entry and exit, mud flaps, a trunk liner, and a dog guard for the queen’s beloved pets.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
Cite this Entry
“Sidestep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sidestep. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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