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

Music Can Hear Us is a playful, submersible piece of work that largely sidesteps the minimal techno grooves with which Koze made his name. —Michaelangelo Matos, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2025

Republicans in both chambers of Congress are looking to advance President Trump’s legislative agenda through the process of budget reconciliation, which allows the GOP to sidestep a Senate filibuster. —The Hill Staff, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025

Noun

He’s known for his funky delivery, which includes a low arm slot and no leg kick, just a side step. —Sam Blum, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

In addition to the aforementioned interior layout, the build comes standard with exterior upgrades like an Owl Vans rear spare tire carrier/ladder, Owl side steps, KC HiLites off-road lighting, and an exterior awning. —New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for sidestep

• multistep
• overstep
• bicep
• doorstep
• footstep
• instep
• lockstep
• misstep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep

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