step aside

verb

stepped aside; stepping aside; steps aside

intransitive verb

: to withdraw from one's position or occupation : step down

Examples of step aside in a Sentence

a newscaster who knew when it was time to step aside from the anchor desk and let a younger person take over the prime minister was compelled to step aside from his office when it was demonstrated that he had violated the public trust
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Allen and Parnes’ book detail the significant early reservations Democrats had about Harris as a national candidate, even as these same operatives, donors and politicians wanted Biden to step aside. David Catanese, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2025 One idea floated by some is for Trump to be the vice-presidential nominee, and then whoever serves as president could step aside after winning. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025 His youngest son, Sebastian Duterte, holds the post but stepped aside to run for vice mayor. Aie Balagtas See, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025 In 2008, a constitutional provision limiting presidents to a maximum of two terms forced Russia’s strongman, Vladimir Putin, to step aside. Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for step aside

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of step aside was in 1949

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step aside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20aside. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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