1
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
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 Trump administration has made American AI dominance a key goal of its technology policy, though some have concerns these deals sidestepped national security concerns.
—
Julia Shapero, The Hill, 16 May 2025
The Supremes mostly sidestepped the core issue — for now
While the media’s glare is on birthright citizenship, the justices carefully avoided a direct judgment on the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship clause on Thursday.
—David Catanese, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
The drug also sidesteps common opioid side effects including constipation and sedation.
—Michael Franco
may 21, New Atlas, 21 May 2025
Speeding up the deportation process In addition to removing protections, the Trump administration has tried to speed up deportations for some immigrants by sidestepping the normal legal process that gives people a chance to contest their removal and make arguments to stay.
—Ashley Wu, New York Times, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
Julia Shapero, The Hill, 16 May 2025
The Supremes mostly sidestepped the core issue — for now
While the media’s glare is on birthright citizenship, the justices carefully avoided a direct judgment on the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship clause on Thursday.
—David Catanese, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
The drug also sidesteps common opioid side effects including constipation and sedation.
—Michael Franco
may 21, New Atlas, 21 May 2025
Speeding up the deportation process In addition to removing protections, the Trump administration has tried to speed up deportations for some immigrants by sidestepping the normal legal process that gives people a chance to contest their removal and make arguments to stay.
—Ashley Wu, New York Times, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sidestep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sidestep
Verb
-
Hidden in large container units with retractable roofs, the drones were designed to circumvent Russia’s sophisticated air defenses.—
Anna Mulrine Grobe,
Christian Science Monitor,
4 June 2025
-
After an April report indicated that MSC’s founding Aponte family had considered separating the Panama ports from the deal altogether, the regulator publicly warned CK Hutchison against a split as a means to circumvent antitrust review.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
Stone cut and wove plastic mats, industrial carpeting, and everyday fabrics into strange yet hypnotic composites for the floors and walls.—
Hannah Martin,
Architectural Digest,
6 June 2025
-
In weaving together these stories, Cuffy explores the varying shapes that grief, belief, and belonging can take.—Erin McMullen Buy Now: O Sinners!—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
Snow cowered in the back, avoiding eye contact when Kiersten tried reaching her hand out.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
-
But the majority of Tributary buyers prefer a turnkey home, avoiding the time and effort required to build a custom residence.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
People reported running, ducking for cover and scrambling to their cars for safety.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 June 2025
-
Questions and Answers Is goose or duck down better for a comforter?—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
The last few months have borne witness to AI systems learning to mislead, cheat, and try to evade shutdown—even resorting to blackmail.—
Harry Booth,
Time,
3 June 2025
-
Massey has evaded hundreds of authorities in a multistate manhunt.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
Caucus leadership, which typically opts to remain neutral in committee races, has dodged questions on whether age should play a role in selecting the next Oversight ranking member.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
5 June 2025
-
The candidates often dodged direct answers to moderators’ questions and instead jostled with each other.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
As a result, even today, much of the funding aimed at solving Africa’s challenges bypasses African organizations entirely.—
Victoria Philips,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
The goal was to allow qualified drivers to bypass slowing down for Border Patrol agents who glance into vehicles and might ask questions.—
Jim Radcliffe,
Oc Register,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sidestep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sidestep. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share