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
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026
The process sidesteps the need for most users to provide identifiable information like a driver’s license, one of the main criticisms of age verification technologies due to privacy and security risks.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 21 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
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Verb
Former special counsel Jack Smith repeatedly sidestepped pointed questions about the credibility of January 6 committee witness Cassidy Hutchinson, despite previously acknowledging her most explosive claims amounted to secondhand hearsay.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026
The process sidesteps the need for most users to provide identifiable information like a driver’s license, one of the main criticisms of age verification technologies due to privacy and security risks.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 21 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
Cite this Entry
“Sidestep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sidestep. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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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