sideways

adverb or adjective

side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz 

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

Synonyms

• sidewise
• laterally
• obliquely
• broadside

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

But that bartering went sideways as Thune called the procedural vote, with three Republicans voting against it — the maximum leadership could lose with Vance in tow. —David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 29 June 2025

Travelers may also lose out on exclusive offers or loyalty benefits available through the cruise operator, French added, and would have to deal with the third-party provider if something goes sideways. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 27 June 2025

And the victor walks away with a bit of momentum and some positive highlights until the next game inevitably goes sideways. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025

There are the good projects, the tricky ones and the ones that go sideways. —Peter Boyd, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing sideways

• knock (someone) sideways

Rhymes for sideways

• aldolase
• alleyways
• amylase
• anaphase
• anhydrase
• anyways
• arginase
• cabarets
• carriageways
• castaways
• catalase
• cellulase

Kids Definition

sideways

adverb or adjective

side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz 

1

: from one side

viewed the stage sideways

2

: with one side forward

turn sideways

3

: to one side

fell sideways