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.
In a world gone terribly wrong and sideways, humanity survives. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 7 Mar. 2026 Some of its teeth pointed outward and sideways, not toward the opposing jaw but off to the side. Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026 Some teeth pointed outward and sideways rather than toward the opposing jaw. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026 According to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the animal’s most defining feature was a lower jaw that twisted outward from back to front, with some teeth pointing outward and sideways rather than facing the upper teeth. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 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 14 Mar. 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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