SIDESTEP Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

sidestep

verb

ˈsīd-ˌstep

Definition of sidestep

as in to circumvent

to avoid having to comply with (something) especially through cleverness the eager enlistee sidestepped the regulations by lying about his age

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to weave

to move suddenly aside or to and fro the startled spectator sidestepped away from the oncoming ball

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sidestep And, the prospect of yet another earnings season that's projected to show historic strength in profits has investors confident that the largest companies that are growing the fastest will be able to sidestep growing cracks in the road. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 Payton also told offensive players about the change Monday but sidestepped questions twice -- once after the Broncos’ 24-14 loss to San Francisco and again Wednesday -- about Webb’s future calling plays. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026 To sidestep the problem, 1 in 3 kids now go to school completely or partially online, and some front-line cities have resorted to building schools in underground bunkers. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2026 The blind man nudged the ferrule of his cane into the bulk of the sleeping figure, sidestepped him deftly, and moved on to the end of the block, a stoplight, heavy traffic, cyclists, big scary trucks. — Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sidestep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sidestep

Verb

The lawsuit marks the latest crackdown under the Better Online Ticket Sales Act, also known as the BOTS Act, which bans scalpers from circumventing ticket limits with technology.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026
And good for Stuart and Eidra for confirming her new perception of the situation and facilitating a new plan to circumvent Todd’s participation in her conversation with Vaughn.

— Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of circumvent

Verb

With a bigger budget from Netflix, Sy and Leterrier leaned further into the show’s superhero-like qualities, expanding its universe beyond the novels of Maurice Leblanc and weaving some futuristic elements.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Rubio weaves stories about heartbreak, drugs, and the slippery, occasionally hallucinatory process of finding your way back to your own life.

— Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of weave

Verb

Recently, A'ja Wilson charged aggressively toward a fan in the stands and avoided a suspension.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
The group chose roads that would keep them moving, avoiding excessive stop-start riding at traffic lights and intersections wherever possible.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of avoid

Verb

All of a sudden, Bass was a staggering champion lunging at a revived Raman, who swung and stung and ducked the way only a hungry up-and-comer can.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The system enables robots to choose different ways of passing through tight spaces, including stepping over objects, ducking under barriers, and turning sideways to fit through narrow gaps.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of duck

Verb

The new Marvel series will see the hero grapple with his identity and humanity while evading a bounty hunter and reuniting with his son.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Last year, a Houthi missile evaded Israel’s vaunted air defenses and impacted near Ben Gurion airport.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of evade

Verb

This moment is different, and all the advice about dodging this dodgy issue is now wrong.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
As other companies dodge the Grand Theft Auto juggernaut by avoiding the November release window, Nintendo's wholesome throwback is poised to stand out against the glitzy violence of Grand Theft Auto.

— James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of dodge

Verb

Upwards of 80% of the power for the facility will come directly from wind farms operated by the company, bypassing the grid completely, Envision says.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Giulia eventually entered through the back door, inadvertently bypassing the cameras Conor had set up to capture her reaction.

— Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026