step aside

verb

stepped aside; stepping aside; steps aside

intransitive verb

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

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
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.
When the series was ordered, Thompson, who normally focuses on films, stepped aside and Carter took over, re-creating his predecessor’s design on a soundstage but elaborating on it with additional rooms that felt refined yet emotionally detached. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2025 Looming questions include whether the new head of baseball operations will have genuine autonomy to reshape the team, and if Dick Monfort will step aside to take a lesser role in constructing and operating the team. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025 The plan calls for Hamas to step aside after ruling Gaza for nearly two decades. Greg Myre, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025 Our children’s stories unfold regardless of whether they are bound in books, and our role is to witness, facilitate, and sometimes step aside. Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for step aside

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of step aside was in 1949

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step aside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20aside. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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