SIDESTEPPED Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

sidestepped

verb

past tense of sidestep

as in circumvented

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ducked

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 sidestepped The Marine Corps is also on track to meet its recruiting goal this year, according to officials, having largely sidestepped the deeper struggles facing the other services. — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 The South African Reserve Bank blocked funds belonging to Kastelo in late 2025 after uncovering transfers that allegedly sidestepped local capital regulations, Business Day reported. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 17 Aug. 2026 In the rush to deploy AI, many companies sidestepped an analytically rigorous investment approach. — Jim Deloach, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 To be decided Johnson has not officially declared his candidacy and has sidestepped questions about seeking reelection by saying he is focused on running Chicago. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 This was no grilling, though, as the Italian set out his thoughts on the new job and sidestepped any tricky questions with the aid of a wide smile. — Sam Lee, New York Times, 25 July 2026 Bonta and the other state attorneys sidestepped the political landscape in making their lawsuit arguments. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026 Yet Jackson opened his first general election rally with a 19-minute speech that focused on his opponent and sidestepped any mention of Trump at all. — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 20 July 2026 The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average sidestepped some of the market turmoil, thanks in part to UnitedHealth’s post-earnings gain. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sidestepped

Verb

Now Nightmare Eclipse claims to have effectively circumvented the company’s patch through ShieldBreak by apparently leveraging a different method.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
Steve Ballmer, the team’s owner, invested $60 million into Aspiration, triggering allegations that the payment to Leonard circumvented the NBA salary cap.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of circumvented

Verb

Oswego avoided sending the ball near the speedy Konkey on kickoffs to prevent a repeat of last week’s scoring on a return.

— Jerry Birchfield, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
First, the Chiefs avoided an injury risk to Patrick Mahomes, who is recovering from knee surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL from last December.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of avoided

Verb

Edmunds then dodged a rusher to complete a 49-yard pass to Skylar Robinson to set up a 32-yard field goal Malachi Newmaster on the final play of the first half.

— Dan Albano, Oc Register, 28 Aug. 2026
The numbers behind the hype Eight Sleep has never disclosed revenue, and Franceschetti dodged specifics with Fortune.

— Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of dodged

Verb

But Iran has, in many cases, successfully evaded the sanctions by setting up new front companies.

— Rob Wile, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026
The first, a corner, saw McBurnie free at the far post to hit a shot Lammens did well to claw out before the ball fell to Semi Ajayi in space in the six-yard box, having evaded Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui.

— Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of evaded

Verb

One of the biggest obstacles to many new power transmission projects is opposition from local communities and zoning authorities, a problem that can be bypassed if new grid lines stick close to existing infrastructure.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Inside the Heat, there has been optimism that Thompson would end up with the team, which is among the reasons Miami has bypassed Bradley Beal and DeMar DeRozan in free agency.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of bypassed

Verb

Neighbors said their complaints about the empty lot were ignored for years until a fire burned part of the property and neighbor Kayt Miranda's garage early on Wednesday morning.

— Joy Benedict, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
The stock that spent two years being ignored by the same investors who loaded up on Hilton and Marriott is now having its moment.

— Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of ignored

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sidestep

sidestepped

sidestepping

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“Sidestepped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sidestepped. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sidestepped

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