sidesteps; sidestepped; sidestepping
1
: to avoid walking into or being hit by (someone or something) by stepping to the right or left
She sidestepped the puddle.
He sidestepped to avoid (being hit by) his opponent.
2
: to avoid answering or dealing with (something) directly
She sidestepped the reporter's question.
They're sidestepping the real issue.
Cite this Entry
“Sidestep.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/sidestep. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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