sidestep

1 of 2

verb

side·​step ˈsīd-ˌstep 

sidestepped; sidestepping; sidesteps

transitive verb

1

: bypass, evade

sidestep a question

2

: to move out of the way of : avoid

sidestep a blow

intransitive verb

1

: to take a side step

2

: to avoid an issue or decision

sidestepper noun

side step

2 of 2

noun

1

: a step aside (as in boxing to avoid a blow)

2

: a step taken sideways (as when climbing on skis)

Synonyms

Verb

• beat
• bypass
• circumvent
• dodge
• get around
• shortcut
• skirt

Examples of sidestep in a Sentence

Verb

She sidestepped the reporter's question.

They're sidestepping the real issue.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In stark contrast, Trump has largely sidestepped the issue, asserting that it should now be left to the states. —Nik Popli / Charlotte, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024

Officials sidestepped inquiries about the upcoming U.S. election, while continuing to foster ties with Russia, amid ongoing tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Noun

Sonnenfeld cited Harley-Davidson’s decision to shift some of its production from the U.S. to a factory in Thailand in 2019 in order to side step taxes imposed by the European Union in retaliation for Trump’s hiked tariffs on steel and aluminum. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2024

Power-deploying side steps make climbing into the Power Wagon a breeze. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1860, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids 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