SIDESTEP Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

sidestep

verb

ˈsīd-ˌstep

Definition of sidestep

as in to circumvent

to avoid having to comply with (something) especially through cleverness the eager enlistee sidestepped the regulations by lying about his age

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to weave

to move suddenly aside or to and fro the startled spectator sidestepped away from the oncoming ball

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of sidestep The delay leaves unpopular Palestinian Authority leaders in place and sidesteps a potential opposition alliance, as Palestinians have not voted in a legislative election since Hamas won in 2006. — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026 Even as Mills continues to sidestep board approval and frustrations grow among members, no one has tried to oust him or reduce his power. — Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Richard sidesteps that question by emphasizing the intimacy of her blends rather than their novelty. — Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026 And, the prospect of yet another earnings season that's projected to show historic strength in profits has investors confident that the largest companies that are growing the fastest will be able to sidestep growing cracks in the road. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sidestep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sidestep

Verb

All three said West Point appears to be circumventing the judge's ruling by using a different justification to continue to enforce its speech rules.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
To circumvent the council’s rulings, Khan created a development corporation, a mayoral body that could take control of the area and assume planning powers from the council.

— Will Barker, TheWeek, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of circumvent

Verb

Eller took a long pass from Aaron Ekblad just inside the blue line, weaved down the right side and ripped a wrist shot from the circle past Chicago goaltender Spencer Knight.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
The Chiefs had no answer for Smith-Njigba, who bobbed and weaved his way through the defense for nine catches, 150 yards and a touchdown.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of weave

Verb

Well, about four songs in, Jackson Browne decides to start his spiel about 'No Nukes' and how there was a nuke plant near Champaign, and everyone should 'duck and cover' or some crap like that.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Lastly, try ducking into Casey Rubber Stamps, founded in 1979, in the West Village, and a neighborhood fixture since 2003.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of duck

Verb

Europe hopes to build the euro into an alternative global currency to evade the dollar’s iron grip.

— Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026
Tel Aviv — At least 40 ultra-Orthodox Jewish men were arrested upon arriving Tuesday morning at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport on suspicion of attempting to evade the country's military draft, the Israel Defense Forces said.

— Dov Lieber, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of evade

Verb

Authorities at the Villages denied him access, and the shoot required him to dodge security guards, charm subjects, and occasionally adopt disguises.

— Alex Barasch, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
When the Gaza questions do pick up again, most Democrats are likely to punt to the International Criminal Court — already a popular way to dodge them.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026