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

Gomez recalled initially stepping aside so FDNY firefighters could recover their own. — Erika Gonzalez, CBS News, 11 Sep. 2026

When the Navy needs it back, everyone else steps aside within seconds. — Aylin Yener, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026

After 15 years as CEO, Tim Cook stepped aside, replaced by longtime executive John Ternus. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026

Lofgren previously criticized Wahab for not stepping aside for a placeholder candidate in June to fill the rest of Swalwell’s term, urging voters to support Hernandez. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 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