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 Homeowners with outdoor space can sidestep interior modifications entirely with a freestanding sauna on a slab or gravel pad. — Allison Palmer updated June 25, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 Animation sidesteps the problem. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 June 2026 PortaSplit’s outdoor unit clips onto a window bracket, needs no drilling, and is classified as furniture rather than a fixture — sidestepping facade-modification bans in cities like Paris. — Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 2 July 2026 The Booksmart actress sidestepped questions about the PDA pictures in a June 2025 interview with Vanity Fair. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sidestep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sidestep

Verb

The case garnered national interest because Oregon's new law targets the loopholes large staffing firms have been employing to circumvent state corporate medicine laws.

— Alex Olgin, NPR, 3 July 2026
The amendments would also give the commissioner power to demand information from third parties, including age assurance technology providers, to test claims made by platforms about how children continued to circumvent the ban.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of circumvent

Verb

Experienced vine dressers weave the canes into basket-like forms that rest close to the island’s volcanic soil, protecting grapes from wind and harsh conditions.

— Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Wingate weaves this historical horror with a modern-day mystery, illustrating the lasting trauma of children stolen for profit and the unbreakable bond of blood.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026

Definition of weave

Verb

Other methods to reduce the harm from sweltering temperatures include more breaks and flexible shifts so workers can avoid the midday sun, according to the WHO.

— Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 July 2026
While the morning may feel personal — especially if someone questions your judgment, appearance or direction — avoid treating their feedback (or silence) as rejection.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Definition of avoid

Verb

Collin Morikawa birdied 18 to catch Scheffler and ducked into the clubhouse at 20 under as the rains descended upon the TPC River Highlands.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
The Thunder traded guards Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins to the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks, respectively, shedding their contracts to try to duck under the NBA’s punitive second-apron threshold.

— Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of duck

Verb

The suspect, 30‑year‑old Trevion Mark of Fort Worth, was arrested nearby without incident and charged with reckless endangerment and evading arrest in a motor vehicle, according to DPS.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Mark was charged with reckless endangerment and evading arrest in a motor vehicle and booked into the Tarrant County Jail.

— Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026

Definition of evade

Verb

Read's team says that certain witnesses in the case – including the McCabe and Albert families, and Trooper Brian Tully – are dodging depositions by their team.

— Kristina Rex, CBS News, 1 July 2026
And then there are the access bridges for pedestrians and vehicles at many circuits — the drone has to dodge above these, which also complicates how it can’t be used near spectators.

— Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of dodge

Verb

When a user asks an AI to find a running shoe that can arrive by Friday for under $100, the agent bypasses the company's storefront entirely.

— Arne Jeroschewski, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Commissioners also discussed Florida’s Live Local Act, which allows qualifying housing developments to bypass certain local zoning regulations.

— Sofia Baltodano, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026