Synonyms of sidestepping

sidestepping 1 of 2

noun

as in bypassing

Related Words

• bypassing
• skirting
• circumvention
• dodging
• ducking
• runaround
• evasion
• out
• shunning
• eschewing
• eschewal
• cop-out
• avoidance
• elusion
• escape
• eluding
• deflection
• shaking
• prevention
• averting
• obviation
• precluding

Dissimilar Words

• submission
• endurance
• toleration
• abidance

sidestepping

2 of 2

verb

present participle of sidestep

1

as in circumventing

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

the eager enlistee sidestepped the regulations by lying about his age

Synonyms & Similar Words

• circumventing
• avoiding
• evading
• bypassing
• ignoring
• dodging
• escaping
• skirting
• disobeying
• shortcutting
• eschewing
• getting around
• ducking
• beating
• shaking
• shunning
• eluding
• disregarding
• preventing
• shirking
• flouting
• outflanking
• deflecting
• diverting
• obviating
• parrying
• averting
• end-running
• warding (off)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• following
• keeping
• obeying
• observing
• complying (with)
• pursuing
• seeking
• accepting
• embracing
• courting
• welcoming
• incurring
• catching
• contracting
• acceding (to)
• assenting (to)
• acquiescing (to)

2

as in ducking

to move suddenly aside or to and fro

the startled spectator sidestepped away from the oncoming ball

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ducking
• weaving
• dodging
• zigzagging
• turning
• avoiding
• evading
• jinking
• escaping
• sliding
• eluding
• slaloming
• deflecting
• skirting
• shirking
• slipping
• parrying

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sidestepping

Noun

Critics called the change an unjustified, undemocratic sidestepping of the state constitution and the will of voters. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

One was the very clear sidestepping of Palestinian sovereignty, and the second was the issue of Iran. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2026

Verb

But the war powers resolution has largely been ignored by presidents of both parties, with administrations sidestepping its requirements. — Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 7 Nov. 2026

Becerra played it safe with reporters, sidestepping a question about why his party hadn’t made a bigger dent in California’s affordability crisis after 16 years in the governor’s office. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026

This is a bold swing for a company that started out buying generic drugs and — while sidestepping pharmacy benefit managers — reselling them at a 15% markup. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 21 Oct. 2026

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are being accused of playing royals on their own terms — and sidestepping the late Queen Elizabeth II's wishes in the process. — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

The Vikings stayed undefeated with more dominance by their defense and five field goals from Will Reichard, sidestepping their early passing game problems to beat the winless Miami Dolphins 15-10 on Sunday. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

Memes risk sidestepping reality Some of the pictures are generated with artificial intelligence, and the administration has previously defended the memes as funny and their critics as humorless. — Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

As Fernandes undertook his trademark run-up, Tielemans mirrored him exactly, sidestepping and stuttering in synchronisation. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Since then, the program has cemented itself as one of the best studio shows on cable despite mostly sidestepping game analysis in favor of alchemized banter. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026