sidetrack

verb

Definition of sidetracknext
as in to deviate

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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 sidetrack Some unnecessary, overlong scenes do drag, allowing the audience to get sidetracked. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 May 2026 Stripe co-founder and president John Collison told CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin on Tuesday that the company isn’t yet aiming for an IPO, which would sidetrack its current product and business growth. — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026 Three consecutive presidencies have been sidetracked by immigration-policy overreach. — Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026 The moon’s clash with Mars threatens to sidetrack you. — Usa Today, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sidetrack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sidetrack
  1. deviate
  2. avert
  3. divert
  4. deflect
  5. redirect
  6. move
  7. swerve
  8. shift
Verb
  • These records deviated from Deerhunter’s shoegaze and krautrock leanings, placing a greater emphasis on sampling and wall-of-sound pop.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 30 Oct. 2026
  • But in Central Asia, far from the empire’s center, local artists sometimes used the mosaics to deviate from the official agenda.
    — Yulia Denisyuk, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of deviate
Verb
  • What to read next A really useful skill here — whether looking unaided or through binoculars — is averted vision.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • CalSTA’s $20 million commitment will help avert those reductions and additional cuts planned for fiscal year 2027-28.
    — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of avert
Verb
  • Irish airline Aer Lingus diverted its Dublin to Rome flight on Thursday morning following a hoax bomb threat.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But in a real Earth-threatening scenario, even such a tiny shift could help divert an asteroid on a collision course — as long as scientists get enough advance warning of its approach.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of divert
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Trumpworld searched frantically for scapegoats to deflect blame that the electoral bloodbath was a rebuke of the president and his agenda.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
  • On Sunday, Stevens deflected questions about what led to her reversal in an interview with Cooper.
    — Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of deflect
Verb
  • Kaprizov zipped a cross-ice pass through the slot that Shabanov redirected past Askarov at the far post.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Alongside familiar talent metrics, HR should increasingly examine skills utilization, internal mobility, knowledge flow, decision authority and the speed with which capability can be redirected toward strategic need.
    — Ghenwa Habbal, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of redirect
Verb
  • Their shared ambition is straightforward, which is to move fusion from experimental physics rigs into commercially viable power plants.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Kerhonkson was also within easy reach of her sister, who had moved with her family from the East Village to Millbrook, in Dutchess County, in 2024.
    — Heather Senison, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of move
Verb
  • Police said the car was swerving across lanes, impeding traffic and forcing other drivers to brake or take action to avoid her car.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • On the third pass, the husband swerved finally into the parking lot.
    — Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of swerve
Verb
  • For Wilson, broader acceptance in the resale market is key to shifting that balance.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Amenities and experiences The hotel's best amenity is easily the rooftop pool, located on the 28th floor and designed around the shifting colors of the zircon gem.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of shift

Browse Nearby Words

side tables
sidetrack
sidetracked
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Cite this Entry

“Sidetrack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sidetrack. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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