step aside

verb

stepped aside; stepping aside; steps aside

intransitive verb

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

Synonyms of step aside

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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
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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.
Earlier this month, Soderbergh agreed to take the on-set directing reins for the DC Studios production in London after Matt Reeves had to step aside due to a personal family matter back in Los Angeles. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026 The series shows how Paul Rabil stepped aside as a player to team with his brother, who has been a serial entrepreneur. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 Tony Reno, just 52, who stepped aside as Yale coach last February after 14 seasons and five league championships, died from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 The timing suggested that the United States was consciously undercutting an ostensible ally, pressuring Zelensky to step aside or risk catastrophic outcomes on the battlefield. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for step aside

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Browse Nearby Words

step-and-repeat
step aside
step back
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Cite this Entry

“Step aside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20aside. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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