sideways

adverb or adjective

side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz How to pronounce sideways (audio)
Synonyms of sidewaysnext
1
: from one side
2
: with one side forward
turn sideways
3
a
: in a lateral direction or downward to one side
hopped sideways
slump sideways
b
: askance
look sideways at someone

Examples of sideways in a Sentence

I had to walk sideways to get between the two towering piles of boxes she glanced at us sideways when she heard us claim we weren't there that night
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The vehicle strikes Bullock, pushing him sideways, and the officer continues on. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026 Because this version was so tall, Jeffery started to go sideways. John Lauritsen, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026 Carrick was a rare exception, an intelligent midfielder who was capable of hitting diagonal balls and line-breaking passes, but who understood that, realistically, the best option 90 per cent of the time is a ‘boring’ sideways pass. Michael Cox, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026 Taylor-Joy, who also serves as executive producer on the series, stars as con artist Lucky, who is forced to go on the run when a multi-million-dollar heist goes sideways. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sideways

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sideways was in 1572

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sideways.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideways. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

sideways

adverb or adjective
side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz How to pronounce sideways (audio)
1
: from one side
viewed the stage sideways
2
: with one side forward
turn sideways
3
: to one side
fell sideways

More from Merriam-Webster on sideways

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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