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
Mike Lillis, The Hill, 10 Sep. 2025
Second, structure it in familiar legal language so that supervisors recognize it as a security or other traditional instrument, and only then represent it in tokens; this approach sidesteps unproductive security-versus-utility debates while ensuring that investor protections remain intact.
—Juan Arroyo, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025
Unlike most modern cars that have to fit an array of annoying safety features that continuously bing and bong, Morgan is able to side step these requirements as a low volume manufacturer.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
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Verb
Mississippi was one of only six states that did not allow for people to cite religious exemptions to sidestep childhood vaccines until 2023.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 10 Sep. 2025
Second, structure it in familiar legal language so that supervisors recognize it as a security or other traditional instrument, and only then represent it in tokens; this approach sidesteps unproductive security-versus-utility debates while ensuring that investor protections remain intact.
—Juan Arroyo, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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
Unlike most modern cars that have to fit an array of annoying safety features that continuously bing and bong, Morgan is able to side step these requirements as a low volume manufacturer.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 28 July 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 14 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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