1
as in circumvented
to avoid having to comply with (something) especially through cleverness
the eager enlistee sidestepped the regulations by lying about his age
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Recent Examples of sidestepped
Adler’s study underscores how easily a chatbot can join a user in a conversation that becomes untethered from reality—and how easily the AI platforms’ internal safeguards can be sidestepped or overcome.
—
Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
And at many universities the process through which differences in institutional values are surfaced and reconciled is unclear, especially as AI initiatives have often sidestepped democratic faculty governance.
—Chris Wegemer, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025
Roseman’s answer at the time sidestepped a question about a post-Darius Slay drop-off at CB2 that has since been exploited at times this season, but Mitchell and DeJean’s play has also justified Roseman’s confidence in them.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The letter, however, sidestepped any talk of changes to Missouri’s gun laws, among the loosest in the nation.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
And Trump’s past comments aren’t the only embarrassment being sidestepped.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
Trump has sidestepped norms on central bank independence to openly criticize and threaten its top policymakers over their monetary policy decisions.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
Witkoff sidestepped a direct question about the veracity of reporting suggesting Putin agreed to end the war if Ukraine ceded the entire Donbas region to Russia, including territory not currently held by Russia.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 17 Aug. 2025
At Thursday’s hearing, neither SpaceX nor US Space Force representatives showed up, likely because the military sidestepped the commission by classifying the Falcon 9 launches as a federal activity.
—PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025
Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
And at many universities the process through which differences in institutional values are surfaced and reconciled is unclear, especially as AI initiatives have often sidestepped democratic faculty governance.
—Chris Wegemer, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025
Roseman’s answer at the time sidestepped a question about a post-Darius Slay drop-off at CB2 that has since been exploited at times this season, but Mitchell and DeJean’s play has also justified Roseman’s confidence in them.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The letter, however, sidestepped any talk of changes to Missouri’s gun laws, among the loosest in the nation.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
And Trump’s past comments aren’t the only embarrassment being sidestepped.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
Trump has sidestepped norms on central bank independence to openly criticize and threaten its top policymakers over their monetary policy decisions.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
Witkoff sidestepped a direct question about the veracity of reporting suggesting Putin agreed to end the war if Ukraine ceded the entire Donbas region to Russia, including territory not currently held by Russia.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 17 Aug. 2025
At Thursday’s hearing, neither SpaceX nor US Space Force representatives showed up, likely because the military sidestepped the commission by classifying the Falcon 9 launches as a federal activity.
—PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sidestepped
Verb
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The man reportedly circumvented barriers that surround the altar, climbed the steps and urinated on the holy structure.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
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The league could void the Clippers-Leonard contract and order the forfeiture of first-round picks, a penalty experienced by the Minnesota Timberwolves when they were found to have circumvented the cap to sign Joe Smith.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Qing Yuan opened the tap, gripped the edge of the trough, and ducked his head under the water.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Oct. 2025
-
His new changeup ducked under bats to bamboozle the Mariners’ lefties.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Continue reading … ‘NOT TRUE’ – Former WH press sec fires back at claims Biden avoided press conferences.—
,
FOXNews.com,
21 Oct. 2025
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Going into debt during the holidays may be common but that doesn't mean it can't be avoided.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Although there is wiggle-room for the inflationary temperature/energy scale to be a bit lower than the limit set by cosmic rays, the CMB limits on the maximum post-inflationary temperature cannot be evaded.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
22 Oct. 2025
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Ukraine’s armed forces said Storm Shadow missiles had evaded Russia’s air defenses and struck the site in Bryansk which produces gunpowder, explosives and rocket components.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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With Sami's back turned, Dragunov tried to hit a move near the corner, but Sami dodged it and slammed his opponent back overhead.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
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In the first half, Paschal starting its scoring spree with a circus play from Thomas, who dodged multiple defenders and somersaulted toward the pylon.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Basic skills asked of employees in entry-level positions may be bypassed in favor of more advanced knowledge, writes automotive reporter Jackie Charniga.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
23 Oct. 2025
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Critics, meanwhile, contend the president bypassed the proper review process.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In a separate statement to Whittier Daily News, Rowley claimed that the city had ignored complaints about upraised sidewalks caused by tree roots for years, and stated the city had not implemented adequate inspection protocols.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
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Kim Kardashian's refusal to watch Fatal Attraction is not going to be ignored by Kris Jenner, thank you very much!—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sidestepped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sidestepped. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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