step aside

verb

stepped aside; stepping aside; steps aside

intransitive verb

: to withdraw from one's position or occupation : step down

Synonyms of step aside

• leave
• retire (from)
• resign (from)
• quit
• step down (from)

Examples of step aside in a Sentence

a newscaster who knew when it was time to step aside from the anchor desk and let a younger person take over

the prime minister was compelled to step aside from his office when it was demonstrated that he had violated the public trust

Recent Examples on the Web

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Sanders ally who had not endorsed Platner, nonetheless called on the Senate candidate to step aside before Sanders did, as Politico reported. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 7 July 2026

Allied interest groups across the Democratic spectrum also rescinded their endorsements and urged Platner to step aside. — Philip Elliott, Time, 7 July 2026

While national and state Democrats have urged Platner to step aside, Payne said that Maine Democrats overwhelmingly nominated him in last month's primary despite earlier controversies. — Steve Inskeep, NPR, 7 July 2026

McConnell, 84, was the longest serving Senate leader in history before stepping aside from that role. — Mary Clare Jalonick, Fortune, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for step aside

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide