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

At 86, Hoyer is the latest in a generation of senior-most leaders stepping aside, making way for a new era of lawmakers eager to take on governing. —Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026

The former Democratic vice-presidential nominee stepped aside amid a growing fraud inquiry. —Dan Merica, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026

Saks Global, the parent company of Neiman Marcus, announced on Friday its chief executive would step aside as the company grapples with financial strains associated with its 2024 acquisition of the iconic Dallas retailer. —Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026

Demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans calling for the downfall of the ruling clerics and demanding the leadership step aside. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for step aside

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