SIDESTEPPED Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

sidestepped

verb

past tense of sidestep

as in circumvented

to avoid having to comply with (something) especially through cleverness the eager enlistee sidestepped the regulations by lying about his age

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ducked

to move suddenly aside or to and fro the startled spectator sidestepped away from the oncoming ball

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of sidestepped In his postgame news conference, Tatum sidestepped several questions about Brown’s cold shoulder and the hype surrounding their matchup. — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 11 Nov. 2026 Other incoming Senators like Juliana Stratton of Illinois, Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota, Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, and James Talarico of Texas have sidestepped the Schumer question for months. — Philip Elliott, Time, 6 Nov. 2026 O’Connell sidestepped a question about whether Wentz could keep the job with a strong performance even after Murray is cleared. — Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026 The mayor’s office sidestepped a question from The Times on the opening date discrepancy, and didn’t respond to questions on whether DWP and LAWA are expected to sign the power agreement before the train opens. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 Trump sidestepped a question earlier this month on Netanyahu's reelection bid. — Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026 Payton also told offensive players about the change Monday but sidestepped questions twice -- once after the Broncos’ 24-14 loss to San Francisco and again Wednesday -- about Webb’s future calling plays. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026 The blind man nudged the ferrule of his cane into the bulk of the sleeping figure, sidestepped him deftly, and moved on to the end of the block, a stoplight, heavy traffic, cyclists, big scary trucks. — Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026 In public appearances, Netanyahu sidestepped questions about whether Israel would investigate the incident alongside Riyadh officials. — Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sidestepped

Verb

The same week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into whether Tesla had illegally circumvented federal safety certification requirements.

— Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026
Ballmer and the Clippers are serving vast penalties after the NBA determined the team circumvented the salary cap to steer funds to star Kawhi Leonard.

— Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of circumvented

Verb

Behind the clock tower, the actors ducked and cowered as wind and dust washed over them, flattening their hair and sending papers flying.

— Matt Alt, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026
All of a sudden, Bass was a staggering champion lunging at a revived Raman, who swung and stung and ducked the way only a hungry up-and-comer can.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of ducked

Verb

The FactPostNews accounts gained millions of new followers and billions of impressions across platforms, and the organization largely avoided becoming a story itself after fumbling the release of its 2024 autopsy report.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 9 Nov. 2026
Not long ago, broadcasters avoided even a hint of gambling conversation.

— New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of avoided

Verb

Pressed by reporters on how he’d tackle problems ranging from high-speed rail to homelessness, Becerra often dodged or spoke in generalities.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Take a Fall Hike Galena sits on the southern edge of the Driftless Area, where rivers and rocky bluffs dodged the flattening force of glaciers long ago.

— Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of dodged

Verb

Her lawsuit alleges the department bypassed public hearings required by Proposition 103, and instead negotiated settlements with insurers seeking increases in auto and home premiums.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
The boost off the bench has vanished to the point that Ryan Conwell and Pelle Larsson have both bypassed him in the rotation.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of bypassed

Verb

That was conveniently ignored or unmentioned in the editorial.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Nov. 2026
What’s being ignored is the weaving of microdramas into the equation, the human stuff that makes pulling something off so nerve-racking and delicious.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of ignored

Browse Nearby Words

sidestep

sidestepped

sidestepping

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Style

“Sidestepped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sidestepped. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of sidestepped

verb

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