sidestep
verb (used without object)
to step to one side.
had sidestepped
-
past perfectof sidestep.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Prior to that, she had sidestepped the firing line of the controversy around Epstein and I think may have continued to do so, albeit without calling herself Duchess of York, had that not happened."
From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2025
The inspector general’s office opened an investigation into whether Zinke had been improperly influenced and had sidestepped the recommendations of career staff members at the Interior Department to approve the casino application.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 24, 2022
Earlier Monday, the White House had sidestepped questions on the referendum, with spokesman Sean Spicer saying the U.S. wanted to let an international commission review the results.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 17, 2017
The incendiary issue of the flag was one that Ms. Haley, 43, had sidestepped in her five years in office.
From New York Times ● Jun. 23, 2015
He had sidestepped the abyss yet one more time.
From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende
