side·step
ˈsīd-ˌstep 
sidestepped; sidestepping; sidesteps
2
: to move out of the way of : avoid
sidestep a blow
sidestepper
noun
1
: a step aside (as in boxing to avoid a blow)
2
: a step taken sideways (as when climbing on skis)
Examples of sidestep in a Sentence
Verb
She sidestepped the reporter's question.
They're sidestepping the real issue.
Recent Examples on the Web
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025
As the documentary points out, many kratom products register as food to sidestep the guidelines around drugs.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Other exterior modifications, all of which have subtly been worked into the design, include side steps, grab handles to assist with entry and exit, mud flaps, a trunk liner, and a dog guard for the queen’s beloved pets.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
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Verb
This new development, however, completely sidesteps that problem by abandoning conventional mechanics and using laser light for gear motion.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025
As the documentary points out, many kratom products register as food to sidestep the guidelines around drugs.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
Elgin will hold its annual Patriot Day remembrance ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, on the west side steps of City Hall, 150 Dexter Court.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Other exterior modifications, all of which have subtly been worked into the design, include side steps, grab handles to assist with entry and exit, mud flaps, a trunk liner, and a dog guard for the queen’s beloved pets.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
Cite this Entry
“Sidestep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sidestep. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sidestep
verb
side·step
-ˌstep
1
: to take a step to the side
2
: to avoid by a step to the side
sidestep a blow
3
: to avoid answering or dealing with
sidestep a question
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