sideways

adverb or adjective

side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz 

1

: from one side

2

: with one side forward

turn sideways

3

a

: in a lateral direction or downward to one side

hopped sideways

slump sideways

b

: askance

look sideways at someone

Synonyms

• sidewise
• laterally
• obliquely
• broadside

Examples of sideways in a Sentence

I had to walk sideways to get between the two towering piles of boxes

she glanced at us sideways when she heard us claim we weren't there that night

Recent Examples on the Web

But his one season in college went sideways enough that he wasn’t selected in the 2024 NBA Draft. —Tony Jones, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Yet even though a solution might technically be correct, things can go sideways quickly if the communication about the incident, and its solution, is delivered without context or nuanced awareness of the audience. —Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

Ironically, Vera’s existence may result from a sushi lunch that went sideways. —Jane Ciabattari july 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025

If the stock continues sideways or rallies one keeps the premium (and can potentially reload). —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 7 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing sideways

• knock (someone) sideways

Rhymes for sideways

• aldolase
• alleyways
• amylase
• anaphase
• anhydrase
• anyways
• arginase
• cabarets
• carriageways
• castaways
• catalase
• cellulase

Kids Definition

sideways

adverb or adjective

side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz 

1

: from one side

viewed the stage sideways

2

: with one side forward

turn sideways

3

: to one side

fell sideways