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

And thanks to another recent state law — the Live Local Act — developers would be able to sidestep local zoning regulations, allowing for a project that would smash height restrictions to tower above all surrounding buildings. — Daniel Rivero, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026

The campaign involves partnerships with dozens of local organizations, the institute said, with in-person and online outreach to voters often sidestepped by major political campaigns. — Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Noun

The pool’s design is perhaps what’s most striking, as it’s constructed with an acrylic glass window and non-slip side steps that are built into the frame. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026

Daily practicality is another area where side steps outperform stock configurations. — New Atlas, 13 July 2026

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
• misstep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep
• rep

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