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
Still, Jordan sidestepped the idea that customers could be turned off by the raft of higher fees and fares, instead emphasizing that the discount airline was offering more options.
—
Dallas Morning News, 28 Jan. 2026
Former special counsel Jack Smith repeatedly sidestepped pointed questions about the credibility of January 6 committee witness Cassidy Hutchinson, despite previously acknowledging her most explosive claims amounted to secondhand hearsay.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026
The disclosure comes after The Denver Post reported in late 2023 that contract Medicaid drivers had sidestepped state rules.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
Shorts that light would also be not the most sensitive approach for women, but INEOS have neatly sidestepped that problem by not having a women’s team.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Chalamet sidestepped many of the traditional publicity duties — that’s likely to change now as the Oscar push begins — in order to focus on creating these strategic viral moments.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
Paramount Skydance, in a Thursday statement, sidestepped Warner’s latest complaints about the enormous debt load that Paramount would need to pull off a takeover.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
But, at corner in particular, the Longhorns sidestepped that concern.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026
It’s often sidestepped on the dessert spread—or prone to endless regifting.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025
Dallas Morning News, 28 Jan. 2026
Former special counsel Jack Smith repeatedly sidestepped pointed questions about the credibility of January 6 committee witness Cassidy Hutchinson, despite previously acknowledging her most explosive claims amounted to secondhand hearsay.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026
The disclosure comes after The Denver Post reported in late 2023 that contract Medicaid drivers had sidestepped state rules.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
Shorts that light would also be not the most sensitive approach for women, but INEOS have neatly sidestepped that problem by not having a women’s team.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Chalamet sidestepped many of the traditional publicity duties — that’s likely to change now as the Oscar push begins — in order to focus on creating these strategic viral moments.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
Paramount Skydance, in a Thursday statement, sidestepped Warner’s latest complaints about the enormous debt load that Paramount would need to pull off a takeover.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
But, at corner in particular, the Longhorns sidestepped that concern.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026
It’s often sidestepped on the dessert spread—or prone to endless regifting.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sidestepped
Verb
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The defense also argued that the decision to seek the death penalty was political and circumvented the federal government's protocols.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
30 Jan. 2026
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The legislation targeting transgender Kansans was adopted after a series of remarkable procedural maneuvers that circumvented all public input on key provisions of the bill, including a ban on multi-occupancy unisex restrooms and other private spaces.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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During the demonstration, the Dexory bot ducked under a low pipe near the ceiling and stopped before rolling around a person standing in its path.—
Liam Rappleye,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
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Rule breakers Two spectators ducked the rope line late in the day along the 18th fairway and raced to the other side.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Mavericks team doctor later confirmed that Davis avoided surgery to repair the damage.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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Chapek had initially avoided wading into the discourse, taking a neutral position that became untenable after Iger drew a line in the sand.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Deputies located and attempted to stop the vehicle a short time later, but the driver did not yield and recklessly evaded, and the pursuit was ultimately terminated in the interest of public safety.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
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The men, who knew each other from prison, evaded law enforcement for roughly 36 hours, driving north and then heading back down south through Montana before they were arrested in Twin Falls.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Nate Paul, the one-time superstar Austin developer who played a central role in the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton, dodged jail time again Monday.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
3 Feb. 2026
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Sheinbaum has been incredibly vague about where her country stood, and this week has given roundabout and ambiguous answers to inquiries about the shipments, and dodged reporters questions in her morning press briefings.—
Michelle L. Price,
Fortune,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As the only Eastern Conference team not to make a move at the deadline, the Heat bypassed that opportunity to address what likely will be two available roster vacancies the balance of the season.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
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The Dolphins ultimately bypassed the chance to draft All Pro receivers JaMarr Chase and Justin Jefferson several years ago.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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So, the fact that the Illinois fireworks ban is roundly ignored by Illinoisans is not a surprise to anyone, as the night skies prove on Independence Day.—
Brad Weisenstein,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
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Ackerly says the lesson is simple but often ignored.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sidestepped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sidestepped. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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