Synonyms of sidestep

sidestep

verb

ˈsīd-ˌstep 

1

as in to circumvent

to avoid having to comply with (something) especially through cleverness

the eager enlistee sidestepped the regulations by lying about his age

Synonyms & Similar Words

• circumvent
• avoid
• evade
• bypass
• ignore
• dodge
• escape
• disobey
• get around
• eschew
• beat
• shun
• skirt
• prevent
• shortcut
• elude
• shake
• disregard
• shirk
• end-run
• deflect
• avert
• divert
• outflank
• duck
• obviate
• flout
• ward (off)
• parry

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follow
• keep
• observe
• comply (with)
• obey
• seek
• pursue
• accept
• embrace
• welcome
• catch
• incur
• accede (to)
• acquiesce (to)
• assent (to)
• court
• contract

2

as in to weave

to move suddenly aside or to and fro

the startled spectator sidestepped away from the oncoming ball

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weave
• duck
• dodge
• evade
• avoid
• turn
• zigzag
• escape
• jink
• elude
• deflect
• slide
• shirk
• parry
• slip
• slalom
• skirt

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sidestep

And thanks to another recent state law — the Live Local Act — developers would be able to sidestep local zoning regulations, allowing for a project that would smash height restrictions to tower above all surrounding buildings. — Daniel Rivero, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026

The report highlighted how lobbyists and brokers are charging felons up to millions of dollars to sidestep the traditional Justice Department clemency process, using insider access and social media influencers to push presidential pardons. — Daniel Klaidman, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Warner had the most eyebrow-raising quote of the 49ers’ postgame press conferences ahead of their 16-hour flight home, while many of his teammates sidestepped questions about the disparate approaches the teams had before the game. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Despite the shortstop’s inadvertent trespassing into Bush’s headspace, the president sidestepped the ceremonial mark at the front of the mound and toed the rubber like a pro. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Sep. 2026