as in hitting
US
to cause the side of a vehicle to come into forceful contact with the side of another vehicle
The taxi sideswiped a parked car.
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Recent Examples of sideswiping
But Parente says Martinez, who was shot five times after the crash, did not cause the wreck, arguing the agent was the person who actually initiated the contact by sideswiping his client, making the condition of his vehicle crucial to her defense.
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Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sideswiping
Verb
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Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
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After an incompletion on third down, McCashland’s 25-yard field goal attempt was no good, hitting the right upright with 17 seconds remaining in the half.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Bolstering that pair — or, even better, the second pair, and bumping down rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka to the third — would go a long way toward solidifying the blue line.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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The notice also says the positions involved aren’t tied to a union, so bumping rights don’t apply.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Many airlines – including Delta Air Lines and American Airlines – are contacting customers directly.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
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The judge handed down restraining orders to both women, who are banned from contacting Kate and Gerry and visiting Leicestershire, the BBC reported.—
Nicole Acosta,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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He was taken into custody after firing his weapon at an officer who stopped him by ramming his vehicle.—
Robb Murray,
Twin Cities,
7 Nov. 2025
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The woman, Marimar Martinez, is accused of closely pursuing the agent and ramming into his car.—
Omar Jimenez,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sideswiping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sideswiping. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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